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ENVIRONMENT
Single-use plastics are greatly harming the planet and sustainable alternatives exist. Transitioning to these alternatives, like American Airlines did, contributes to the United Nations’ Global Goals 14 and 15, which call on countries to protect biodiversity. You can take action on these issues here.
American Airlines Is the Latest Company to Ditch Plastic Straws
But plastic straws are just one aspect of global plastic waste.
Why Global Citizens Should CareBut plastic straws are just one aspect of global plastic waste.
Single-use plastics are greatly harming the planet and sustainable alternatives exist. Transitioning to these alternatives, like American Airlines did, contributes to the United Nations’ Global Goals 14 and 15, which call on countries to protect biodiversity. You can take action on these issues here.
American Airlines will no longer provide plastic straws and stirrers for beverages in its airport lounges starting this month, and will eliminate these utensils aboard its flights in November, according to a press release.
The airline will offer biodegradable straws and wooden stirrers at first, and then transition to bamboo utensils in November. Once the commitment is finalized, the brand will reduce its annual use of single-use plastics by 71,000 pounds.
“We're very excited and proud to share this initiative with our team members and customers,” said Jill Surdek, vice president of flight service, in a statement. “We’re cognizant of our impact on the environment and we remain committed to doing our part to sustain the planet for future generations of travelers.”
ENVIRONMENT
Disney to Eliminate Plastic Straws by 2019
There will also be a reduction in the use of plastic bags at all parks and cruises.
Why Global Citizens Should Care: Single-use plastics are greatly harming the planet and sustainable alternatives exist. By Disney taking the lead in eliminating plastic straws from its resorts, it sends a broader message to other businesses and individuals to step up. You can take action on these issues here.
There will also be a reduction in the use of plastic bags at all parks and cruises.
The Walt Disney Company will eliminate plastic straws and stirrers from all properties worldwide — with the exception of Disney Tokyo — by mid-2019, the company announced this week.
The transition will effectively eliminate more than 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers annually, reports ABC News.
Take Action: Say No to Using Single-Use Plastics
“Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products, in a prepared statement. “These new global efforts help reduce our environmental footprint, and advance our long-term sustainability goals.”
The move follows other hospitality brands, such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, Royal Caribbean, SeaWorld and Universal Studios, which have already committed to eliminate the use of single-use plastics due to their detrimental impact on the world’s oceans and underwater life.
Eight million metric tons of plastic pollute the world’s oceans each year, or what amounts to “one garbage truck into the ocean every minute,” according to a 2016 report released by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Read More: Disney Is Donating $1 Million From 'Black Panther' to Fund STEM Programs for Kids
The company also stated in its announcement that it will be reducing the number of plastic shopping bags in its parks and cruise ships, providing guests with the option to purchasing reusable bags “at a nominal price,” reports The Hill.
“Disney has always been inspired by nature — and it is a uniquely powerful brand that inspires, educates, and entertains, all at the same time,” Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International, said in the press release.
ENVIRONMENT
Seattle to Ban All Plastic Straws, Utensils in Restaurants in 2018
It’s part of a much larger movement.
Flickr/Russ Allison Loar
It’s part of a much larger movement.
Plastic straws and utensils will be banned from Seattle restaurants beginning June 2018, when an ordinance first passed in 2010 takes effect.
The measure will make Seattle the first US city to enact a ban on plastic straws, putting it at the forefront of a global movement that aims to remove plastic from global supply chains because of its many environmental impacts.
"As of July 1, 2018, food services businesses should not be providing plastic straws or utensils," Sego Jackson, the strategic advisor for Waste Prevention and Product Stewardship for Seattle Public Utilities, told Q13 FOX.
"What they should be providing are compostable straws or compostable utensils,” he added. “But they also might be providing durables, reusables, or encouraging you to skip the straw altogether.”