Scotland's biggest council to ditch plastic straws
Plastic straws will stop being used by Scotland's biggest council after primary pupils highlighted the plight of marine wildlife.
A campaign from children at Sunnyside Primary School, Craigend, against the pollution has inspired the city's local authority to switch to more eco-friendly options.
Dropped straws can be blown into rivers and washed into the sea where they threaten seabirds, turtles, whales and dolphins - or end up with microplastics in the food chain if eaten by fish.
So proud to say that my son goes to this school! Absolutely outstanding achievement from these young kids ? ?! We should take a leaf out of their book #NaeStrawAtAw@SunnysidePri@johnsco50466144@UofGlasgowhttps://t.co/dyFtEwk8DS
-- estelle creaney (@X_stellababy_X) January 26, 2018
Lisa Perrie, Sunnyside Primary principal teacher, said: "This is fantastic news and the children are absolutely thrilled. They have worked so hard on this campaign and the results have been amazing.
"We've had tremendous support and Glasgow City Council's announcement is a major boost.
"It shows the children they can make a big difference in the world and that their views really matter."
Scotland's Biggest Council Ends Use of Plastic Straws https://t.co/FOdHI4tIfi#NaeStrawAtAw@SunnysidePri@bbnglasgowpic.twitter.com/ctWOxxhayq
-- Glasgow City Council (@GlasgowCC) January 26, 2018
Encore, the council's commercial catering division, will no longer provide straws with customers' drinks from the end of February - and people who ask for one will receive an eco-friendly alternative.
The use of pre-packaged drinks supplied with plastic straws will also be reviewed to see if more environmentally friendly options are feasible.
More than 26 cafes in the council's museums, sports centres, offices, schools and the city chambers will be subject to the decision.
It is expected to prevent tens-of-thousands of plastic straws a year going to landfill.
CalMac ferries has already agreed to join the school's campaign.
CalMac Ferries are delighted to support @SunnysidePri in their #NaeStrawAtAw campaign by banning plastic straws on our ferries and spreading word of this initiative across the communities we serve. All other sources of single-use plastics are under review. https://t.co/j1YmHGrOM5pic.twitter.com/Redq3pci3O
-- CalMac Ferries (@CalMacFerries) January 26, 2018
The announcement brought whoops of delight from Sunnyside pupils, who were also instrumental in helping their peers in Ullapool convince all 14 businesses in the village to ditch the straws.
Councillor Anna Richardson, the council's convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, revealed the good news.
She said: "Sunnyside Primary School's #NaeStrawAtAw campaign has been the deciding factor in this move and the pupils are to be congratulated on their impressive lobbying skills.
"They are a true force of nature - highlighting the plight of marine wildlife and encouraging businesses to join their campaign.
"It is an absolute pleasure to announce Glasgow City Council's backing for the campaign which will help protect our marine environment for wildlife and future generations."