Beginning January 1, 2019, California became the first state that enacted a law where if consumers wanted to obtain a straw for their beverages at full-service restaurants, they needed to ask for one. Restaurants would not longer openly give them.

During 2018, the controversy over single-use plastic straws and the detrimental effect they have on the environment and plastic waste in our oceans became a major topic of concern. Viral photos and videos have surfaced of scientists removing a plastic straw that became jammed in a sea turtles nose. Cities, like Seattle, have already banned plastic straws and companies, like Starbucks, are phasing them out within the next year.

Although CA made a crucial step in the direction towards phasing out usage, restaurants could keep with the law and if asked for a straw, offer paper straws instead. Many companies and venues across the nation who already use this tactic, offer paper straws from recyclable and organic makeups. This could potentially be a solution to still having straws available for those who need may need them, or simply desire them while simultaneously being more environmentally friendly.