Around New England

Lowell Considering Banning Plastic Straws

July 25, 2018

A subcommittee of the Lowell City Council has been told to study banning plastic straws in the city.

The city council voted 7-2 to ask the council’s Environment and Flood Issues Subcommittee to consider whether it’s feasible for the city to prohibit the use and sale of plastic straws, which are used by human beings to drink from a container such as a glass or cup.

Supporters of the ban say plastic straws are harming marine animals when they get into oceans.

Opponents say they aren’t, and they also note that some people with disabilities and suffering from illnesses in hospitals can’t drink without a straw.

Lowell’s action coincides with city officials in San Francisco, who are also considering banning plastic straws, notes the Lowell Sun.