ASBURY PARK - You might not see too many people sipping out of straws this Memorial Day weekend at the Asbury Park Boardwalk.

Several restaurants and bars are participating in the "Straws by Request" program sponsored by the environmental group Clean Water Action.

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The goal is to cut down on the amount of litter that reaches local waterways and the ocean.

"Asbury Park Boardwalk and its participating restaurants have chosen to be part of the solution to marine debris, local litter, and storm water pollution," said Jenny Vickers Chyb, a spokeswoman for Clean Water Action.

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"Through this program, we can help prevent plastic waste on our beaches and get everyone to think twice about whether they need a straw to enjoy their cool drink at the Jersey Shore."

The restaurants participating include The Anchor's Bend, Beach Bar, Wonder Bar and the Asbury Oyster Bar.

You'll only receive a straw by request.

Clean Water Action estimates the U.S. uses 500 million straws a day, roughly enough to circle the planet more than two and a half times. It says there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050.

Watch a video of other efforts to clean up the ocean above this story.

Clean Water Action has a larger campaign called Rethink Disposable, which aims to reduce single-use disposable items like plastic straws, cutlery, plates, water bottles and foam take-out containers.

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Austin Bogues 732-643-4009; abogues@gannettnj.com