Food chains to phase out use of straws

As global fast-food chains and coffee shops begin phasing out single-use plastic straws and stir sticks - both major sources of pollution - environmentalists in China say government support is needed to ensure such efforts can help clean the world's oceans.

McDonald's China introduced a "strawless" lid for cold beverages at 10 Beijing restaurants on Nov 1. Diners also will not receive plastic straws unless they specifically ask, according to a new company policy aimed at reducing plastic waste.

In July, Starbucks also vowed to stop using single-use plastic straws at more than 28,000 outlets worldwide.