2018/20:Should Australia ban plastic straws?
Introduction to the media issue
Video clip at right: On January 3, 2019, Wochit News televised a report of a customer in a McDonalds outlet attacking a female employee in a dispute over plastic straws. The city of St. Petersburg, Florida, where the incident occurred, recently banned fast-food chains from giving away unlimited straws.What they said...
'Though just a small fraction of all plastic pollution, straws have become a symbol of waste to rally behind and a feasible way for consumers to feel like they're making a difference'
Sarah Gibbens, writing for National Geographic
'Plastic is...an essential part of my health and wellness. With my neuromuscular disability, plastic straws are necessary tools for my hydration and nutrition'
Alice Wong, founder and director of the Disability Visibility Project
The issue at a glance
The movement toward banning plastic straws in Australia is growing.
On November 18, 2018, the Australian Hotels Association Victoria announced that its members would now only give straws to customers on request at bars, pubs and other venues, while the South Melbourne Market will ban plastic straws from December 1.
On September 10, 2018, Virgin Australia announced that plastic straws and stirrers have been removed from its in-flight and lounge operations.
On August 8, 2018, the Australian burger chain, Grill'd, removed all black plastic straws from its 130 restaurants.
On July 18, 2018, McDonalds Australia announced that it would phase out plastic straws in its restaurants over the next two years.
Conservation advocates have stressed that plastic straws epitomise the contamination of the marine environment through the use of unnecessary plastic products. However, disability advocacy groups argue that these products are essential, at least to some within the community.