Plastic straws are single-use items that almost never make it into the recycling bin. We enjoy sipping from our straws, but most of us don’t think about where they end up after we throw them away. California lawmakers are working to change that.

Assembly Bill 1884

On Jan. 17, 2018, California’s majority leader, Ian Calderon, proposed a bill regarding plastic straws. Assembly Bill 1884 would require all “dine-in” California restaurants to enforce a “straws-upon-request policy” according to Calderon’s press release on Jan. 18.

Assembly Bill 1884 would not affect fast-food restaurants or places where patrons serve themselves beverages.

“AB 1884 is not a ban on plastic straws. It is a small step towards curbing our reliance on these convenience products, which will hopefully contribute to a change in consumer attitudes and usage,” said Calderon in the press release.

While a bill reducing plastic straw usage pleased some, many were disturbed by the harsh consequences servers faced if the bill passed. Assembly Bill 1884 stated that violators would be fined anywhere from $25 to $1,000, sentenced to jail for up to six months, or penalized by a combination of the two.

Some took their concerns to Twitter. On Jan. 25, Calderon replied to the backlash.

He tweeted, “I’d like to clarify that #AB1884 (Straws Upon Request) is (a) NOT a ban; (b) should it become law, it will NOT make it a crime for servers to provide plastic straws. My intention is simply to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic straws on our environment.”

According to California’s Office of Legislative Counsel, the bill was amended Feb. 5, and it does not include criminal penalties for violations.

Americans use an estimated 500 million straws a day, according to the National Park Service. Furthermore, the Ocean Conservatory states that plastic straws are the seventh most common item found on beaches across the world in its 2017 International Coastal Cleanup Report.

Life without straws

Coral McLaughlin, who is a member of Drury’s Think Green, avoids using plastic straws. “I don’t use straws unless I have absolutely have to,” she said. “For instance, when I go to the CX, I use my reusable water bottle and fill that with whatever I want to drink. If I have to use a cup, I don’t put the lid on it, and I don’t use a straw.”

McLaughlin and the members of Think Green pick up litter along Commercial Street twice a semester. The group also visits a portion of the Jordan Creek near the Pool Art Center. At these locations, they find various types of trash and recyclables, including plastic straws.

The movement to curb plastic straw consumption is not only happening in California. Other places in the United States are making efforts to reduce plastic waste. For example, Seattle plans to ban plastic straws and utensils in July of 2018 as stated by The Seattle Times.

Some businesses in Springfield have hopped on the plastic-free bandwagon. Local restaurants like Tea Bar & Bites and Finnegan’s Wake no longer offer nonbiodegradable straws.

Tea Bar & Bites uses 100 percent compostable straws, and Finnegan’s Wake is now plastic straw free.

In a Facebook post from Jan. 16, Finnegan’s Wake stated, “We are replacing all our Styrofoam to-go containers with biodegradable ones and starting January 26th, we are doing away with plastic straws.” Finnegan’s will serve recyclable paper straws for its patrons who want them.

While these businesses are making change in the Springfield community, McLaughlin believes that each of us can create change, too, by making it a habit to refuse plastic straws.

“When you are sitting down at a restaurant or even when you get carry-out, they may give you a straw. If you don’t want a straw, you can ask. Say ‘I don’t want this.’ Even if you have to remind your waiter or waitress, they will respect that wish,” said McLaughlin.