Plastic Straws Removed From Serving Lines In Some Fairfax Schools

FAIRFAX, VA — Plastic straws have been removed from cafeteria serving lines at middle and high schools for the 2019-2020 school year, Fairfax County Public Schools announced.

The change isn't a plastic straw ban. The school district says "straws will be available to anyone who requests them." Elementary school students as well as special needs students will have access to straws.

The change came after a group of students provided suggestions to the Fairfax County School Board. FCPS is not providing paper or biodegradable straws due to cost, but staff will continue to monitor the cost and manufacturer switches to paper straws.

Middle school and high school students can find flyers announcing the change in serving lines. While straws remain at elementary schools, one student is creating flyers encouraging students to not use straws.

The movement to eliminate plastic straw use gained traction after a video of a turtle with a straw up its nose went viral. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, plastic straws are one of the most frequently littered plastic items and end up in bodies of water. Disability advocates have spoken out against straw ban due to people with disabilities relying on plastic straws.