WASHINGTON (January 26, 2018) – If you don’t need a straw, don’t take one. That’s the premise of the latest product stewardship position announced by the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Plastics Division. ACC developed its position as part of ongoing efforts to help promote the responsible use of valuable plastic materials and in accordance with our commitment to the Trash Free Seas Alliance®(TFSA).
“It’s the right thing to do,” said Steve Russell, vice president of ACC’s Plastics Division. “As a member of the Trash Free Seas Alliance, we support many initiatives that help prevent marine litter, and we believe providing straws through an ‘on-demand’ system gives customers choice and helps prevent waste by ensuring that straws are distributed only to those who need them.”
ACC’s position on straws is designed to help avoid wasteful use by recommending that straws not be provided unless customers ask for them. At the same time, it acknowledges that there are circumstances where straws enhance safety and sanitary conditions.
Since 2011, associations representing plastic makers have partnered in many efforts to research and prevent marine debris around the world under our “Declaration of the Global Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter,” which has been signed by 70 plastics associations in 35 countries. Our 2016 Progress Report lists 260 projects that have been completed or are in progress in various parts of the world since the effort began.
TSFA brings together thought leaders to work toward the immediate goal of reducing the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean annually by 50 percent by 2025.
