"Add one more item to those “Out for 2019” lists : plastic straws.

D.C. banned plastic straws in restaurants and other businesses effective Jan. 1, 2019, becoming the second major U.S. city to do so. Seattle made the change six months ago. Plastic straws won’t disappear immediately, however. Businesses have until July to make the transition to alternatives, before fines kick in.

Dozens of local businesses have already made the change voluntarily, responding to pressure from customers and environmental groups.

“Many have started using hay straws, which are popular — they hold up well in drinks,” says Zachary Rybarczyk, part of the enforcement team with the District Department of Energy and Environment. “We’ve seen restaurants switch over to paper straws. And we’ve also seen restaurants using reusable straws — also popular in bars,” says Rybarczyk."

Jacob Fenston reports for WAMU January 2, 2019. [2]