Maine lawmakers consider banning plastic straws, stirrers, lids

AUGUSTA -- Nearly two years ago, the Maine Legislature voted to ban plastic shopping bags. Now, lawmakers will decide whether to ban plastic straws, stirrers, and lids.

People on both sides of the issue testified Monday before the Legislature’s Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources.

[Legislative committee votes to keep Maine's ban on plastic shopping bags]

If approved, the law would ban plastic straws, stirrers and lids.

Mariel Geiger of the Surfrider Foundation told WVII she has been involved with efforts to clean up litter from the woods and along waterways.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess. As an overall solution, we have to dramatically reduce the production of these toxic products,” she said.

[Portland votes to ban plastic straws]

Hospitality Maine spokesman Greg Dugal told WVII the association representing the state’s lodging and restaurant industry opposes the ban.

Dugal said lawmakers should consider amending the proposal.

“It would make sense to start an initiative that would train restaurants to use a straw upon demand approach for their customers as a first step,” he said.

[Mainers split on idea to ban plastic shopping bags]

According to WVII, some of those opposed to the plastic straw ban encouraged the committee members to consider promoting straws that are biodegradable.

Committee members will meet later this month to determine whether to recommend the legislature pass the ban.