Starbucks Takes on Plastic Straws

The popular coffee company announced Monday that it will completely remove plastic straws from all of its stores by 2020. Starbucks claims the changes will help them eliminate more than 1 billion plastic straws per year.

CEO of Starbucks, Kevin Johnson, called the effort to remove plastic straws a “significant milestone” for the company in a statement.

Starbucks said the cold-cup lids will become the standard lid for all iced drinks except frappuccino.

“They will become the standard lid for all iced drinks except Frappuccino, which will be served with a straw made from paper or PLA compostable plastic manufactured from fermented plant starch or other sustainable material. Customers who prefer or need a straw can request one made of alternative materials for use with any cold drink.”

“Starbucks’ decision to phase out single-use plastic straws is a shining example of the important role that companies can play in stemming the tide of ocean plastic,” said Nicholas Mallos, director of Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program. “With eight million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean every year, we cannot afford to let industry sit on the sidelines.”

The announcement comes after Seattle has banned all plastic straws and utensils in restaurants on which started July 1st.

McDonald’s also has been looking into the possibility but the company made an announcement in May saying it would not be banning plastic straws in the U.S.