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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
No more straws in Malibu?
Malibu is a step closer toward banning the sale and distribution of plastic utensils such as straws, stirrers and cutlery.
The City Council voted unanimously on Monday in support of an ordinance that would go into effect in June although final approval is still required.
If the measure passes, restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores in Malibu would be required to replace plastic utensils with alternatives made of paper or wood.
Councilwoman Laura Zahn Rosenthal says it'll reduce plastic pollution.
"It's for protecting our marine life.. It's for protecting humans, too. Straws are not disintegrating. They're just sitting there or they get cut into little pieces and you're out there swimming and it can hold on to bacteria and germs and you can ingest pieces," she told KPCC.
State Assemblyman Ian Calderon also wants to wean Californians off plastic.
He recently introduced a bill that would require dine-in restaurants to only provide customers with straws if they ask for them.