RENO, Nev. â A trio of Reno pubs want to stop providing plastic straws when serving alcoholic beverages in an effort to help the environment by limiting plastic pollution.
According to a press release provided to regional media on March 1, Reno business owners Michael Connolly, Zachary Cage and Chris Khal â of Brewerâs Cabinet, Sierra Tap House and Ole Bridge Pub â launched a âno strawâ campaign that same day.
The campaign will, per the press release, âfocus on the elimination of single-use plasticsâ by enforcing ânew service procedures in hopes to bring awareness through individual outreach efforts and help all food-service business make the transition to a safer choice for our environment.â
âWe are proud of the area we live, work and play, and the lakes, rivers and surrounding ecosystem are an essential part to the lifestyle of our companies and our families,â Connolly, owner of Brewerâs Cabinet, said in a statement. âThis is why we have collectively decided to change our straw policy to something more earth-friendly.â
All three owners are reportedly hoping to encourage fellow businesses to ban plastic straws; the trip also, per the press release, has full support from the 78-member Riverwalk Merchants Association.
âOur staff does not offer straws automatically, but we do have straws in our establishments,â added Khal, co-owner of Ole Bridge Pub. âThe customer makes their own decision on if they want to take a straw or not.
âUnfortunately, most people do take a straw which is why we have switched to a more suitable paper-friendly option.â
Connolly, Cage and Khale encourage residents and businesses to take the â4Rs Pledge,â which is as follows:
1. REFUSE: disposable plastic whenever possible, including straws. Choose items not packaged in plastic, and carry your own bags, containers and utensils.
2. REDUCE: your plastic footprint. Cut down on consumption of goods that contain excessive plastic packaging and parts. If it will leave behind plastic trash, donât buy it.
3. REUSE: durable, non-toxic straws, utensils, to-go containers, bottles, bags and other everyday items. Choose glass, paper, stainless steel, wood, ceramic and bamboo over plastic.
4. RECYCLE: what you canât refuse, reduce or reuse. Pay attention to the entire life cycle of items you bring into your life, from source to manufacturing to distribution to disposal.