California Becomes First State to Bar Plastic Straws

Following various cities San Francisco; Malibu, California; Seattle; and Miami Beach, Florida, California becomes the first state to actually bar plastic straws in restaurants unless asked for.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2018 — The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement supporting California’s adoption of AB 1884, which Governor Brown signed into law this week. The following statement may be attributed to Steve Russell, vice president of ACC’s Plastics Division: 

Unused straws picked up at Belmont Park, right before they were about to be washed out to sea.

“As society continues to look for ways to reduce waste, policies that encourage responsible use and consumption are welcome measures.

“California’s new law is consistent with our product stewardship position, which encourages straws to be distributed on request, rather than routinely, to help reduce waste. Although straw policies alone will not end plastics waste in the environment, California’s law is a reasonable approach.

“Studies show that rapidly developing economies—currently in South and Southeast Asia, where consumer consumption has outpaced the development of waste management systems—account for a majority of trash entering our ocean. Expanding systems and infrastructure to collect waste and increase recycling offer the greatest opportunity to help solve this global challenge.

“Recent research shows plastics actually help reduce the volume of municipal solid waste compared to alternative materials, but all of us can make a difference by using only what we need and recycling or repurposing plastics after use.

In May America’s plastic resin makers announced an ambitious goal: to recycle or recover all plastic packaging in the United States by 2040. Achieving a more circular economy for plastics will enable society to continue to harness plastics’ essential benefits, like enhancing the safety and sanitary packaging of food and personal care products, while helping to protect and restore the environment for future generations. 

“Plastics makers are working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to deliver sustainable solutions to help end plastics waste and solve marine debris. Through our “Global Declaration,” 75 plastics associations from 40 countries have launched 355 projects that address education, research, public policy, best practices, plastics recycling/recovery, and plastic pellet containment.” 

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®; common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $768 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation’s economy. It is among the largest exporters in the nation, accounting for fourteen percent of all U.S. goods exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure.