Seattle Commits to Banning Plastic Straws and Utensils in Restaurants

By Jess Murray Truth Theory

Our planet has a major plastic problem, and the only way to help it is to drastically reduce our plastic consumption. Whilst it is great to reduce plastic use within our own homes, we all know the feeling of when we get sent a package that has been unexpectedly wrapped in numerous layers of plastic, or when unnecessary plastic items are given to us during meals out in public places. There are currently 300 million tons of plastic being produced globally every single year, according to recent reports.

However, as the serious issue of plastic pollution arises increasingly in the public eye, more businesses are trying hard to face the problem head on, and reduce their use of plastic where it’s not needed, or alternatives can be found.

Seattle, in Washington, is one of those cities who have committed to a plastic reduction plan, claiming that they will ban plastic straws and utensils in restaurants by July 1, 2018, following their already existing ban on single-use plastic bags. This means that they will only allow items made of paper or compostable utensils and straws.

The strategic advisor for Waste Prevention and Product Stewardship for Seattle Public Utilities, Sego Jackson, claimed, “As of July 1, 2018, food services businesses should not be providing plastic straws or utensils. What they should be providing are compostable straws or compostable utensils. But they also might be providing durables, reusables, or encouraging you to skip the straw altogether.”

Officials have also said that this move is necessary due to the disposable food service ware being a “burden to Seattle’s solid waste disposal system”. The Office of the City Clerk claimed that the ordinance has been in place for seven years, but stalled because “there were no viable compostable alternatives at the time”. Jackson explained, “Early on there weren’t many compostable options. And some of the options didn’t perform well or compost well. That’s all changed now.”

Although plastic straws and utensils will still be available in grocery stores, all restaurants will be affected by the ban, and if they don’t follow through with the new rules they will receive a warning, which would be followed by a fine if plastic items are continually used.

Following the announcement of the proposed plans, some restaurants have decided to put these changes into place ahead of the July deadline, as part of a campaign called “Strawless in Seattle”, which involves up to 500 local groups and restaurants.

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I am Jess Murray, wildlife conservationist, photographer and writer. I like to document the natural world and create awareness through my writing so that your future can be sustainable and positive. Follow my Facebook page and Instagram account to be part of the journey.

https://truththeory.com/2017/10/07/seattle-commit-banning-plastic-straws-utensils-restaurants/