Starbucks Going Strawless by 2020
In a statement released on Monday, Starbucks announced that it is planning to eliminate all plastic straws by 2020 in their establishments. They typically use up to one billion straws a year, according to the company, and this could reduce harmful damage to ocean pollution which poses a danger to marine life.
Some governments have begun banning them already, including the Starbucks motherland, Seattle. Starbucks already has a plan, instead of the flat, plastic lids that require them, to ones that feature a raised lip you can drink from, drawing comparisons to an adult “sippy cup.”
Guys PSA from the San Francisco Bay Area @Starbucks is piloting SIPPY CUP LIDS pic.twitter.com/6RwGfEC9e1
— Olivia Magna Schonewise (@OliviaMagnaS) April 7, 2017
Frappuccinos will still be served with dome lids, but with straws made from paper or compostable plastic, and to those who prefer straws for other beverages can request the new eco-friendly versions.
With the launch of the new Cold Foam beverages, that originated from the Starbucks Roastery and Reserve in Seattle, which soon took over Starbucks as a cult favorite at all United States stores, this came as no surprise to many.
“By nature, the straw isn’t recyclable and the lid is, so we feel this decision is more sustainable and more socially responsible,” said Chris Milne, director of packaging sourcing for Starbucks.
It is no surprise that they are jumping on this opportunity, when earlier this year, Starbucks committed $10 million to help develop recyclable, compostable cups for hot drinks.
