Australia Outlines Bold Moves to Ban Single-Use Plastic and Coffee Cups

SYDNEY - Conservationists have praised efforts by Australian authorities to drastically reduce the amount of plastic waste and eliminate some disposable coffee cups. 

The New South Wales state government wants to ban many common plastic items, including straws, drinks stirrers and cutlery, as well as polystyrene cups in a bid to protect the environment and reduce waste.     Lightweight plastic shopping bags could be eliminated within six months of new laws being passed.   The reforms could be approved by lawmakers this year.