Due to growing concerns about pollution from plastic waste in the ocean, the city of Seattle has banned food suppliers from using disposable plastic straws and cutlery since July 1. Violators will be fined $250.
Local restaurants began offering paper straws, and Starbucks, based in Seattle, and McDonald's, the leading burger chain in the US, have begun offering plant-based compostable straws. Local citizens believe that considering environmental issues is a good thing.
The United States pays special attention to the environmental impact of plastic straws because they are too small to be recycled. Hala, the chairman of the Seattle Public Utilities Commission, has said that the global oceans are facing a serious crisis of plastic pollution, and that Seattle is the pioneer of the road and is the other city in the United States. Set an example, set the ban on plastic straw regulations, and personally feel proud.'
The city of Malibu, Calif., has banned the use of plastic straws, and the city councils of San Francisco and New York City have received similar measures.
It is reported that although food suppliers are banned from providing plastic tableware and straws, consumers still buy these goods in supermarkets and retail stores across Seattle.