Ritz-Carlton Langkawi uses paper straws (Photo: Ritz-Carlton Langkawi)

It is no secret that plastic straws are the bane of the environment, ranking right up there among the top 10 marine debris items, alongside cigarette butts and plastic bags. Already, scientists have predicted that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean — not a situation we would want, in any case.

One of the easiest ways to help reduce this menace would be to stop ourselves from using single-use plastics, chief of which would be plastic bags and the ubiquitous plastic straws. If you are not disciplined enough to tote along your own reusable or recyclable straws, make it a point to inform your waiter beforehand to ensure your drink comes straw-less or, better yet, frequent establishments that care to provide metal or recyclable paper straws for your use.

Here, our in-house green police have done a round-up of local establishments that have upped their green game. The planet thanks you.

Bistro à Table 6, Jalan 17/54, Seksyen 17, PJ. Metal straws, and engraved ones, might we add, are provided for your use at this chic and charming French bistro in the heart of Petaling Jaya.

Eatomo Food Co 21, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, KL. Besides trendy poke bowls and light and healthy cuisine, Eatomo in Bangsar’s Telawi-ville sports bright, striped paper straws.

We are so glad that our customers feel the same way! If you have visited any of our Eatomo outlets lately, you will find that we have phased out plastic straws and are now targeting other none recyclables as well. These paper straws are not only beautiful, it does it’s part in conserving the world we live in photo credit to: @sharifahsakinah #wearenotperfect #butatleastwetried #nostraw #savetheearth #eatomo

A post shared by Eatomo Food Co (@eatomofoodco) on Jul 10, 2018 at 8:07am PDT

The Ganga Café 19, Lorong Kurau, Taman Bukit Pantai, KL. Who doesn’t love this holistic, no-frills café in Bangsar? One more reason to love them, besides their divine puris and thali meals, is the fact that there is not a plastic straw, only metal, in sight.

The Beach Grill Pool & Bar The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi at Jalan Pantai Kok, Teluk Nibong, Kedah. The Ritz-Carlton, one of Langkawi’s newer and more sophisticated retreats, offers luxury combined with eco-consciousness. Sip from paper straws as you tuck into five-star poolside fare such as Andaman crab cakes and wagyu burgers.

A refreshing start to a sun-drenched day Photo credit to: @dou_even

A post shared by The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi (@ritzcarltonlangkawi) on Mar 8, 2018 at 6:16pm PST

Rimba Ambong Pool Villas, Jalan Teluk Baru, Langkawi.

If you have holed yourself up at Ambong Pool Villas in Langkawi, just know that the bijou resort uses only metal straws at its beautiful Rimba Restaurant.  

This article first appeared on Sept 10, 2019 in The Edge Malaysia.

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