Ulster County is taking steps to reduce the use of plastic within the county.

The county legislature approved a measure requiring restaurants and fast food joints to only provide plastic straws upon request. 

While not an outright ban, county officials say this is the right move.

"We're going to cut down on the vast majority of these straws, and the great thing is we're going to do it without a ban. You can make the argument there are kids, disabled adults, and children that actually physically need a straw. This can't be a ban. We can't set into motion a situation where you have someone who needs a straw and a restaurant saying no," said Joseph Maloney, (D) Ulster County Legislature.

The measure now heads to the county executive's office.