McDonald's is rolling out paper straws across its 1,300 UK locations in May, but environmental activists say consumers make a better decision when not using a straw at all. Spencer Platt | Getty Images

Many cities in US banning plastic straws

In the U.S., many cities are banning plastic straws. Seattle, Fort Meyers, Malibu and others have banned restaurants from giving them out. "This is something that we can no longer avoid addressing," said Diana Lofflin, the founder of StrawFree.org. "It's become a global issue, and straws are on the leading edge." Although straws represent a small portion of the 8 million metric tons of plastic that ends up in the ocean every year, Lofflin believes plastic straws are an easy way to get people started on reducing their plastic use.

You use a straw for 10 minutes, and it never goes away. Diana Lofflin founder of StrawFree.org

Just getting people to turn down a straw is a gateway to a more sustainable lifestyle. "It's a simple step that anybody can take to address the global plastic problem," Lofflin said. "You use a straw for 10 minutes, and it never goes away." Restaurants are finding ways to adapt. A Malibu café began using pasta as straws (a gluten-free alternative is available). For restaurants that need straws, such as smoothie shops, Lofflin recommends reusable options like Pyrex, bamboo or metal. "You're going to have some loss, but if that's the case, put your logo on it," she said. "You suddenly have a promotional item."

The design studio Kikkerland designed these festive paper straws that can be tossed in a home composter after a party. They come in a box of 144 and can be purchased for under $10. Allen J. Schaben | Los Angeles Times| Getty Images

As the tide shifts against plastic straws, plastic manufacturers continue to stress recycling. "We understand all the recent consumer concerns," said Mario Abreu, v.p. of environment at Tetra Pak. Tetra Pak primarily manufactures packaging for food, but many drink cartons come with straws. "We are taking action on this as well because we realize we are using plastic." All the material Tetra Pak uses must be recyclable, and the straws are no exception. The message the company promotes to corporate customers, including Coca Cola and milk company Silk, is recycling — just push the straw back into the carton and recycle the whole thing when finished. That's advice corporations are advised to put right on the packaging. "Because they come together, they should go back together," Abreu said. Tetra Pak's main concern is a straw's overall performance. "If there are better alternatives, we are open to using them," Abreu said. But until a durable, safe and affordable alternative is available, the company will just promote recycling.

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The recycling message echoes that of Plastico, a plastic tableware company in the U.K. John Reeve's, the head of Plastico's European sales, argues the key is coming up with realistic recycling programs. The company is working with sports arenas and concert venues to put giant recycling bins in concourses to recycle single-use plastic cups. As for straws, Plastico doesn't have a clear-cut solution. "We have to come up with solutions that meet the needs of customers," Reeves said. "Everybody's needs are different."

Biodegradable in name only