Primary school pupils described as a “force of nature” have persuaded two major players to quit using plastic straws.
Environmental campaigners from Sunnyside Primary School have convinced Scotland’s biggest council to ban straws, through their #NaeStrawAtAw campaign.
And the news comes as Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) has also pledged to stop offering plastic straws on its ferries thanks to the youngsters’ persuasive skills.
Calling themselves the Sunnyside Ocean Defenders, pupils have been involved in an impressive campaign to convince Glasgow City Council and big businesses to switch to more eco-friendly options.
Now, following the intervention of the Craigend school, Encore, the council’s commercial catering division, will stop providing straws with customers’ drinks from the end of February and people who ask for one will receive an eco-friendly alternative.
The use of pre-packaged drinks supplied with plastic straws will also be reviewed to see if more environmentally friendly options are feasible.
Single Use Plastic Straws
Councillor Anna Richardson, the council’s Convenor for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, announced the good news.
She said: “I’m delighted to announce that single use plastic straws will not be on offer in all council-run cafes and restaurants from the end of February and that they will be replaced by eco-friendly alternatives.
“Sunnyside Primary School’s #NaeStrawAtAw campaign has been the deciding factor in this move and the pupils are to be congratulated on their impressive lobbying skills.
“They are a true force of nature – highlighting the plight of marine wildlife and encouraging businesses to join their campaign.
“It is an absolute pleasure to announce Glasgow City Council’s backing for the campaign which will help protect our marine environment for wildlife and future generations.”
The decision applies to more than 26 cafes in the council’s museums, sports centres, offices, schools and the City Chambers.
It will prevent tens of thousands of plastic straws a year going to landfill.
Read the full story at the Evening Times.
Tags: Citizen, Community, Plastic, Policy, Protection, Sustainable