Starbucks will eliminate plastic straws from its stores worldwide by 2020 to reduce environmental plastic pollution, the company says. The coffee retailer will phase out single-use straws from its more than 28,000 locations, cutting out an estimated 1bn straws each year.
Plastic lids & non-plastic straws
will be used instead
Customers will instead be given plastic lids designed for use without a straw or with non-plastic straws.
© Image | GETTYIMAGES
The use of plastic lids has been criticised by some consumers. The decision was motivated by requests from partners and customers, said Colleen Chapman, vice-president of Starbucks' global social impact in a statement.
"Not using a straw is the best thing we can do for the environment."
Starbucks' announcement included statements of support from organisations such as the Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas programme and the World Wildlife Fund, praising the company for its straw ban.
Nicholas Mallos, of the Ocean Conservancy, said the ban was "a shining example of the important role that companies can play in stemming the tide of ocean plastic".
The announcement comes just one week after Seattle, Washington - home to Starbucks' headquarters - became the first major US city to ban single-use plastic straws and cutlery in bars and restaurants.
Major Companies That
Are Banning Plastic Straws
On Tuesday, American Airlines joined Starbucks and Hyatt announcing that they are phasing out the use of plastic straws globally. Plenty of companies in countries/regions like the U.K. and Taiwan, such as McDonald’s and Marriott International, are ahead of their counterparts in the U.S. in terms of reducing their reliance on plastic. So while those who announced this week are not the first to pledge giving up plastic straws, they’re certainly the biggest name brands.
What's the reaction?
Starbucks' pushback against plastic has drawn a mixed reaction.
M Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International, issued a statement saying that 500m plastic straws are thrown away every day in the US and lauded Starbucks for its "meaningful action to protect our oceans".
But many consumers have criticised use of a plastic sipping lid as the replacement for straws.
"*Gets rid of plastic straw *Replaced with large plastic sipping lid,"wrote one Twitter user.
Others voiced concern for those who rely on straws due to disability.
"What about disabled people who rely on straws? I often can't drink or eat without them," a customer tweeted.
Starbucks has been quick to defend its decision on Twitter.
© Image | Twitter
© Image | Twitter
Why ban straws?
While plastic pollution has long been the target of environmental groups, the impact of straws on marine life has recently moved to the centre of plastic-banning efforts.
The straw-specific concern garnered widespread support after a 2015 viral video showed rescuers removing a plastic straw from an endangered sea turtle's nose.
© Image | YouTube
Since then, social media movements, such as #StopSucking have attracted the support of many celebrities. The anti-straw movement has concentrated on the destruction of marine life caused by plastics.
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Source: Money/BBC/Twitter
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