Starting July 1st, Malaysia will be a step closer to being a plastic-free country!
You will need to mark 1st July, 2019 down on your calendar because – no, it’s not some super warehouse sale – it is a day that comes with creating a greener Malaysia.
via GIPHY
From 1st of July, onwards, all F&B outlets in Selangor will stop providing straws to their customers! The announcement that was made by Selangor Environment, Green Technology, Science, and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian was also approved by the State Executive Council (MMKN). This means serious business!
via GIPHY
And further up North, Penang will steer clear of plastic bags every Mondays starting July 1st – and the tea is, even if you’re willing to pay 20 cents for it, you will get a straight-up NO. Of course, this initiative will be on a voluntary basis and not all businesses will take part in it, according to State Environment Committee chairman, Phee Boon Poh.
Looks like its time for the people in Selangor and Penang to get your go-green ‘A’ game on. Other than using the usual metal straws to replace plastic ones, check out these great alternatives.
1. Edible Rice Straws
Wait… can we actually eat that? Yes, you can! Made from Rice and Tapioca (does this count as boba?), this mind-boggling invention is created by local production company Mistraws Malaysia. Not a fan of eating it? Don’t worry, it will decompose within 100 days.
2. Bamboo Straws
Not only are bamboo straws biodegradable, but you’d also be supporting the local plantations like the ones from Frangipani are actually imported from Sabah!
3. Kangkong Straws
A delicious straw invention started by a Vegan restaurant chain at our neighbouring country, Thailand. This straw even makes a healthy snack after your not-so-healthy *cough* milk-tea *cough* drink.
4. Straw Straw
This biodegradable straw got us saying: “Hay”. Straw by Straw makes straws out of, well, straws! Basically, it is made from stems of cereal plants that are carefully hand-cut.
5. Seaweed Straws
Who would’ve thought someone could make straws out of seaweed! Genius! Loliware started out as a Kickstarter-funded project with big dreams to make the world plastic-free. This seaweed-based straw even comes in different flavours and colours – all made by 100% natural ingredients. You can pre-order through their link here. And yes, it is edible!
Would you try these whacky straw inventions? Leave a comment below!
Header image credits: Broccoli Revolution | Mistraws Malaysia | Bridport Hosting
