Malibu bans single-use plastic straws, cutlery

MALIBU (FOX 11 / CNS) - The Malibu City Council gave final approval Monday night to an ordinance prohibiting the sale, distribution and use of single-use plastic utensils, such as cutlery and straws, within city limits.

The ordinance will take effect June 1.

The move is another part of Malibu's long-term campaign to eliminate the use of single-use plastic items that have a negative affect on the environment, Malibu Mayor Rick Mullen said.

"Malibu is a leader in environmental protections, and we've made great progress in addressing plastic pollution, including bans on plastic bags, plastic sandbags and polystyrene foam,'' Mullen said.

"We are now adding plastic straws, plastic stirrers and plastic cutlery to the list of plastic ... that we will (ban) at the source so it doesn't reach our beaches and the open ocean,'' he said. "The ocean, beaches and natural surroundings are a central part of life in Malibu. We are absolutely committed to keeping them clean for ourselves, our children and their children in the future.''

To raise awareness among the business community, city officials plan to provide a box of environmentally safe paper straws to each Malibu food service business. The straws will carry the city's "Keep it Clean Malibu'' slogan, and the city will promote the fact that sustainable, reusable straws and cutlery are available in metal, wood, glass, bamboo and other materials.