Published : 03/26/2019

Down with plastic straws!

- Categories : Eco-responsible goodies

Several measures are already in effect in France.

Parisian elected representatives have already voted to phase out the distribution of plastic straws in municipal facilities: administrations, schools, Ehpad, sports establishments, museums..

A measure that will come into effect from September/October 2018.

The city is also committed to raising awareness among the capital's cafés, hotels and restaurants to use alternatives to plastic straws. But also to encourage Parisians to do without them. These actions will begin this summer at Paris-Plages, before a "zero plastic" event in summer 2019.

But that's not all: while other cities are expected to take the plunge soon, many other measures are planned for the short term.

Not only has France banned plastic bags, it has also become the first country to ban plastic plates, cups and cutlery from 2020.

What's more, the Franprix supermarket chain has just announced thatit will no longer be selling certain products. These include plastic straws, tableware and cotton buds from 2019, ahead of the French ban in 2020.

Numerous associations in France are currently fighting against plastic straws. Find out more about the law article "Single-use plastic ban".

What about abroad?

In the USA, the world's biggest consumer, with almost 500 million straws a day, various measures have also been taken.

The ban has already been in force since July 1 in the American city of Seattle, a benchmark for environmental protection and sustainable development. Offenders will be fined $250.

San Francisco, another city renowned for its ecological commitment, has taken the lead. Polystyrene, plastic straws (including cups) and plastic packaging are now banned.

The UK, meanwhile, is proposing a new, more comprehensive regulation: plastic straws, swirls and cotton buds will be banned by the end of 2018 as part of its plan to combat plastic waste.

And retailers seem to be answering the call too. Fast-food giant McDonald's took a stand last June, announcing that from 2019 onwards, its 1,361 UK restaurants would offer only paper straws.

In other countries, the American chain plans to conduct tests to experiment with alternatives to plastic straws. This will be the case in Australia, Belgium, the United States, Norway, Sweden and France.

Why these measures?

The main reason is marine pollution. First of all, they can't be recycled, because of their small size. As a result, the one billion straws used and discarded worldwide every day end up in the oceans.

But it gets worse. Although straws account for only a tiny fraction of the plastic polluting the oceans. In fact, their size makes them one of the most harmful polluters. Marine animals and fish eat them. Then, at the end of the food chain, mankind is subjected to this pollution when we consume seafood. We can immediately think of the risks associated with endocrine disruptors such as plastic additives (phthalates, bisphenol A, etc.).

Alternatives to plastic straws

Many alternatives are already available. In the catering and hotel sectors, straws, plates and cups can be made from disposable paper and cardboard.

You can already find these products in stock at our partner Food Bazar! Contact us on 04 42 50 17 10.

(Reusable products are also available).

When it comes to reusable straws (stainless steel, glass, bamboo), Marketing Création offers its services for the personalized creation of an original and unique promotional item.

What's more, the product will be reused many times, guaranteeing excellent brand recognition!