A Christchurch woman is on a mission to reduce the number of single-use plastic straws in the city. (File photo)

Kerry Laudon wants to eliminate plastic straws in Christchurch bars.

Her campaign is just a few months old, but Laudon has spoken to half the bars in the city and created a Facebook page and Twitter account.

So far, four places are using alternatives such as paper or steel, and two are using compostable straws.

ANDY JACKSON/STUFF Stainless steel and bamboo straws can be used instead of single-use plastic ones.

One is Winnie Bagoes, which has gone straw free, except for eco straws when people ask for them.

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Owner Jamon Chee said a video of marine biologists removing a straw from a turtle's nostril inspired the change.

"I started chatting to a co-worker and realised that we could do our bit and try to reduce our plastic."

A bar counter plaque provides plastic reduction information.

The initiative is gaining popularity internationally as well as in New Zealand. The 'Straw-free NZ' campaign started in October and 'Plastic-straw free Rangiora' has been in place since August.

"Momentum has picked up in the last few weeks and bars are starting to realise people won't mind much," Laudon said.

The city council has made steps towards eliminating plastic in Christchurch with its campaign to reduce plastic bags as well as trialling biodegradable food containers at last year's Night Noodle Markets.

Laudon is presenting to the council on Thursday and hopes to get them on board to lead from example.

The city rebuild and new bars opening inspired Laudon's initiative.

"It wasn't as in your face before as there were fewer places to go, but more bars opening means more straws."