Many who are concerned about the environment in Squamish have advocated banning plastic straws. Though it is on the shelf for now, our council recently discussed the idea after some terrific and passionate Grade 2 students brought the issue to the chamber. On the surface, such a ban seems like a no-brainer.
After all, head to our waterways on any day of the week and cups and straws and other plastics can be seen floating or strewn along the shoreline.
It is a global problem. There are five massive patches of plastic in the oceans around the world.
By 2050, there is predicted to be more plastic (by weight) in the oceans than there are fish.
Yikes. Who wants to contribute to that?
So it seems like a simple solution to ban plastic bags and straws. Banning those pesky plastic bags is likely a smart idea, but straws — not so much.
What well-meaning people forget is that for some of our disabled neighbours, straws are essential to nourish themselves.
Does this issue impact the majority of people in Squamish? No. Most of us wouldn’t even notice if straws disappeared.
But does that mean we should ignore the needs of the minority? That is a slippery slope to a society none of us wants.
After all, for some, straws mean independence.
“If you outright ban plastic straws it’s like you’re telling some disabled folks that they’re not welcome,” said Squamish’s Isabel Jordan, chair of the Rare Disease Foundation.
Currently, there aren’t any suitable replacements for the plastic straw that are appropriate for hot and cold items, sanitary and flexible enough.
A 'bring your own straw policy' would be discriminatory.
Imagine a 'bring your own cutlery' restaurant for non-disabled people? Would you want to go there? Would you feel welcome? Not likely.
And ultimately, while any reduction of plastics in our environment is positive, plastic straws aren’t the worse culprits.
Scientists say plastic bags and micro-plastics — tiny beads of plastic that are in cosmetics, some clothing, and that result from industrial processes — are the main culprits when it comes to single-use plastics that are clogging our oceans.
Let’s get to work on reducing those, shall we?
And as for plastic straws — we have many innovative folks in Squamish, so hopefully, someone will get to work on a suitable replacement. But, until then, how about instead of a ban in Squamish, we shift to supporting businesses adopting a 'straws on request' policy?
Seems fairer to everyone — and the planet.
