A Brisbane Bar Is Phasing Out Plastic Straws to Save the Environment

These days, we're all aware of the impact plastic shopping bags have on the environment, but what about another popular disposable item that everyone uses and no one thinks about? If you've enjoyed a cold beverage somewhere other than your home recently, odds are that you've probably sipped it through a straw (or you were given one). From now on, that won't be the case at Brisbane's Crowbar.

Because little things can make a big difference, the Brunswick Street haunt has adopted a "say no to straws" policy and will no longer be serving them with their drinks unless specifically requested. "We are conscious of the environmental impact of plastic and are taking steps to reduce our footprint," the venue advised in a Facebook post announcing the new move.

Further expanding upon Crowbar's plans in an interview with The Music, manager Tyla Dombroski explained that they're currently assessing biodegradable options for punters that can't kick their straw fix, and that their efforts won't stop there. If they can work with an organisation that focuses on marine or wildlife conservation, Crowbar would like to implement a donation-for-a-straw scheme. "Even though we're already cutting back our usage, we can also be giving back," said Dombroski. "And hopefully it makes more people think about their use of plastic in everyday life."

Here's hoping that Crowbar's efforts also inspire other bars to follow suit — and other industries. Just two months ago, France passed legislation to ban all plastic plates, cups and cutlery from 2020; however Australian laws still haven't caught up with the single-use plastic bag backlash, with only Tasmania, South Australia, ACT and the NT banning them at present.

Via The Music.