The Sustainable Fairfield Task Force has begun a new campaign aimed at keeping some plastic out of landfills and the ocean.

"I think people in this day and age understand that certain things are just bad for the environment," says Ken Martin, co-owner of Colony Grill in Fairfield, which is participating in the initiative.

The task force and Planet Fuel organic juices have joined forces to encourage local businesses to switch from plastic to biodegradable paper straws, and to only offer those on customer request. Organizers say getting people thinking about small choices can have a big impact.

Representatives from Skip the Straw were at the Fairfield Theater Company Friday for the free Summer Jam for a Cause concert, spreading awareness of the campaign.