The Solution:
Plastic Substitutes

It’s important to note that substitutes for single-use plastics should be carefully chosen. We suggest first opting for reusable products, prior to moving to single-use materials. Substitutes should be made of non-plastic materials such as paper, sugar cane, bamboo, or other similar materials. Remember: the straw/stirrer ordinance does not allow for biodegradable or compostable plastics as substitutes.

Biodegradable and compostable plastics were not considered because it can take several months for it to decompose fully and by the time it decomposes, it could still impact our oceans and marine life just like regular plastic.  According to The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) biodegradation rate can be very dependent on the surrounding environment and the complete plastic biodegradation is a process that is temperature dependent and which happens when none of the polymer remains, which can take several months to occur. UNEP concluded that biodegradable plastics will not significantly decrease the quantity of plastics entering our oceans or reduce the risk of physical and chemical impacts on the marine environment.

Learn more about the different alternatives to common plastic items:

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