Just got this email from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which kicked off its Give a Sip campaign today to support a bill introduced by Councilman Rafael Espinal that will eliminate the use of most single-use plastic straws in New York City.

The campaign is asking New York City consumers, along with restaurants and businesses to support the legislation to stop using single-use plastic straws, which WCS says contribute to plastic pollution that harms a wide array of marine wildlife from whales to sea turtles.

The legislation prevents food service establishments in New York City from offering consumers single-use beverage straws or stirrers made of plastic or other non-biodegradable material.  It would still allow food service establishments to offer biodegradable and reusable straws to consumers. It also includes exemptions that allow food service establishments to continue to offer appropriate straws for people with disabilities or medical conditions.  Since this law will take effect 180 days after passage, it allows time for and consumers to be educated on the issue and food service establishments to prepare to make appropriate changes. 

“A single straw may seem like nothing. It’s not. Tons of plastic enter oceans around the world each year. New York can help lead the way by saying no to plastic straws,” said John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “Since they can’t be recycled, single-use plastic straws are among the main offenders. It’s happening in New York. Plastic pollution in our city is deadly for local turtles, fish, and birds. They can’t help getting tangled in it or mistaking it for food. Join us and let’s make a difference together.”

WCS, which runs the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium,Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo, has already eliminated plastic straws from all of its parks.