PLASTIC STRAWS ON FAREWELL TOUR
As of this year, Delray Beach began its official ban of plastic straws from distribution in restaurants and other food or drink storefronts, now opting to offer paper straws to encourage environmental protection.
Until next January, Delray restaurants may provide plastic straws upon a customer’s special request. Once 2020 rolls around, though, these locations must follow the ordinance in ensuring its patrons only come in contact with paper straws. The city hopes these efforts will assist in keeping the community cleaner, a push toward a more environmentally friendly atmosphere.
“Personally, I think it is a very small step for something greater to begin,” said Morgan Hotchkiss, senior. “Getting rid of plastic straws will not fix all of our environmental concerns, but I think with little steps like this, it will continue to grow attention to the issue.”
The banning of plastic straws will hopefully send a message to neighboring cities, like Boca Raton, that do not have any ordinances against the use of plastic straws. With these efforts to build a cleaner community, movements along these lines are expected to limit pollution from local beaches and offer wildlife peace.
“I hope that Boca will follow the steps that Delray has taken,” said Peyton Sturgeon, senior. “They might as well make the transition now; it could help save our sea life.”
Environmentalists encouraging the banning of plastic straws suggest using paper, glass or other makeshift straws that will avoid leaving a negative impact on the planet. As for Lynn students, this modification in Delray restaurants may inspire a change in the way they treat the community.
“I love that Delray has done this for their community,” said Haylie Phillips, junior. “This simple change in restaurants will have a chain reaction on other aspects of Delray and the surrounding areas of Florida.”
