Local distributor pushes straws made from rice, tapioca as plastic alternative

As the City of Vancouver considers delaying its ban on single-use consumer items, a local company believes that straws made from rice and tapioca could help reduce plastic use.
Rice straws were first developed by Yeonjigonji, a South Korea-based company, and after a year and a half of research, development and trials they hit the market last August. They are being used in cafes, department stores and hotels in the country.
Four Vancouverites started Rice Straw Technologies in January to distribu