Before reading on, please note, many disabled students need a bendy plastic straw in order to independently consume fluids. Please ensure that you have a stock of bendy plastic single use straws behind the bar, so that if requested, they can be given to those that need them. We advise putting a sign up on the bar to make sure that disabled students know that they are available. Do not attempt to police who has access to plastic straws. Removing access to plastic straws may make you liable under the Equality Act 2010.
You’ve probably already heard that many bars and restaurants are joining the global movement to reduce plastic drinking straws from our landfills, streams, oceans and beaches.
The problem with straws
How can you help?
As students, you have the power to drive meaningful change. Phasing out single-use plastics – where possible – in our day-to-day lives by considering our impact on the environment with items such as straws, plastic bottles and bags is the first step.
Click here to find out more from the sustainability team at NUS and to join our sustainability mailing list.
909 individuals have signed the pledge so far including these students' unions and envrionmental organisations. THANK YOU!
Plastic straws could be banned by October 2019 The Publican, 22 October 2018
Why a universal plastic straw ban is actually bad for people with disabilities. iNews, 19 April 2018
Amid many claims about fighting a war on plastic, the Kenyans are leading the charge. BBC, 19 April 2018
Plastic straws: Which companies are banning them? BBC, 28 March 2018
Michael Gove reveals plastic straws could be banned in Britain - The Telegraph, 22 Feb 2018
Pubs 'should charge 5p for straws' - Morning Advertiser, 23 Feb 2018
EU wants all plastic waste to be recyclable by 2030
Water way to reduce plastic waste - Evian jumps on board
Has London got the bottle for water fountain rollout?
It's great news to hear that the UK Government has banned the use of microbeads in costmetic products from 1 January 2018 with Wales to follow shortly. By 1 July 2018, all personal care and cosmetic products containing microbeads will be off the shelves in the UK and the US.
The Evening Standard launched a new campaign to eradicate plastic straws from London's streets. Read more here.
This year, NUS will be committing to using reusable cups as part of our coffee cups campaign. Following the news that only one in 400 cups are recylced in the UK - it's time to act!