The United States alone uses and discards millions of plastic straws every day, according to Eco-Cycle, a nonprofit group that promotes recycling. Photo via rawpixel/Creative Commons

While government officials argue amongst themselves over plastic bag bans or fees, consumers and businesses are taking matters into their own hands. The latest object of their wrath: single-use plastic straws.

Some New York businesses have stopped offering the straws completely; others provide alternatives like paper straws, or only hand them out when requested.

Source: New York Times