Banning plastic straws could be a step too far. The impending rules around plastic bags is a victory, and when people feel like they’ve been part of the winning team, they’re more likely to get increasingly active in looking after the place a bit better. Countdown’s recent decision to stop selling plastic straws is a great example of perverse outcomes. The problem with the focus on individual solutions is that many of them require time or money that many people simply don’t have. We need to work together to make sure everyone has the chance to contribute in the most meaningful way possible.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 14, 2018 15:45 UTC