In response to a 48% rise in the purchase of disposable plastic straws by Welsh public bodies over the past five years, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said:

“I want to see all 44 public bodies make a simple change in their procurement policy including purchasing paper straws.

“There is no reason why public bodies cannot make this simple change quickly which will help contribute to the well-being goals, and reflect the changing culture that we are seeing in our local communities.

“Local groups such as Beautiful Barry and pupils at Ysgol y Wern are demonstrating how making that simple change help against the damaging effects of plastic on the health of our people and planet.”