McDonald’s is replacing plastic straws with paper ones across all its UK and Ireland restaurants after a successful trial, writes Megan Butler and Neve Samways.

A roll-out of paper straws in all 1,361 restaurants will begin from September, with the process to be completed next year.

The move comes as pressure grows on companies to reduce single-use plastic products and packaging, amid concerns over plastic pollution in the oceans where items such as straws end up harming wildlife like turtles and fish.

McDonald’s announcement follows the unveiling of plans by the government that could see plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds banned from sale on England as part of efforts to cut the amount of waste which ends up in our rivers and oceans.

We think most companies should cut down on the use of plastic as it is harming our sea life. Companies should do the same as McDonald’s as it will have less chance of our sea life ending. We should ban as much plastic as we can as it will make our world a better environment to live and a lot better for not only ourselves but our animals too.

We understand that most packaging is plastic so we may not to be able to ban it all but we should do what we can.

If we do not act now we will endanger the whole planet as plastic will be everywhere.

Individuals can also help – if you see any litter pick it up and put it in the bin and recycle your plastic at home.

By Megan Butler and Neve Samways