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Trudeau not ruling out idea of banning plastic straws

World leaders — including our own — are talking about banning plastic straws as a big move to protect the environment. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not endorsing the idea — but he’s not ruling it out, either.

In an effort to reduce waste in our oceans, the UK government is considering a proposal to ban plastic straws, drink stirrers, and cotton swabs.

At the Commonwealth meeting in London, British Prime Minister Theresa May is urging other countries to do the same. But while speaking with reporters at the meeting, Trudeau wouldn’t say if Canada is on board.

“We are very open to a broad range of ideas and suggestions. We believe in moving forward on evidence-based policy. We know that macroplastics — like straws — are a significant challenge in the ocean.”

Trudeau notes the problem with plastics will be a focus at the upcoming G7 summit.

“We are very much looking for approaches that are going to be both substantive and impactful in the way we move forward. We’re going to look at a broad range of suggestions, consult a broad range of experts and scientists, and move forward decisively,” he says.

The G7 meeting is being held in Quebec in June.

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