No more plastic straws, decides Kozhikode Corporation

KOZHIKODE: In the next one week, Kozhikode city will be free from plastic straws used in juice shops, hotels and other wayside eateries, thereby setting up a model for other cities in the State to go green. It was during a recent meeting held at Kozhikode Corporation, the decision was made to ban plastic straws used in juice parlours and other outlets, with the aim to do away with the risk of injurious ingredients that are used as coating on plastic straws.

It was in the wake of complaints received from city residents on the massive use of straws, disposable cups and plates that the Corporation authorities decided to take steps to eradicate use of such plastic products in the city. The Corporation also reviewed why straws were being used in juice outlets and hotels, while there was an alternate to drink such items even without a straw.

Talking about the initiative, Corporation Deputy Mayor Meera Dharshak said, “The ban is going to be imposed in view of various reports of health risks from the use of such plastic products especially straws, which have been used in a massive way in the city”.

It had also been noted that straws and other disposable products were widely being disposed in water bodies, roadsides and other public places, which became receptacles for rainwater to collect turning them into breeding spaces for mosquitoes, she added.

“We do not promote giving straws along with the juice or shakes ordered, but a majority of customers, especially kids demand them”, Muhammed Jisab, owner of a juice outlet in SM Street. “Now since the Corporation is going to impose the rule of strictly prohibiting straws in outlets, we will stop providing it and instead give spoons for fruit shakes,” he added.

“By simply requesting no straw at juice shops and restaurants, we can prevent one more piece of plastic from harming the environment”, said Shaukath Ali, environmental activist. “As innocent as they may appear, plastic straws are one of the most prevalent sources of plastic pollution entering our waterways. Just think how much of that could have been prevented by making the choice to drink directly from a glass,” he suggested.