Disney Bans Plastic Straws From All Its Parks Globally
Straw bans are all the rage for businesses trying to make environmentally-conscious decisions, and while Disney is joining the trend, they’re also taking things to the next level.
Disney announced that by mid-2019, it will be eliminating single-use plastic straws and stirrers at any global location with the Disney name stamped on it.
That means Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disney Cruises, and even small venues such as the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood will no longer have plastic straws as the default sipping vessel.
Disney isn’t stopping there, though, as they plan on completely eliminating the use of Styrofoam cups, reducing its plastic bag use in shops, and will even offer reusable toiletries in their cruise ships.
“Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship,” Chairman of Disney Parks, Experience, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products said. “These new global efforts help reduce our environmental footprint, and advance our long-term sustainability goals.”
These changes are projected to eliminate the yearly use of 175 million straws, 13 million stirrers, while also reducing 80% of plastic use in their hotels and cruises.
McDonald’s and Starbucks got things rolling on the plastic straw ban wave, and have been met with opposition, most notably from the disabled community. While these restaurants have announced that biodegradable straws would replace plastic straws, the disabled community has made its case for plastic bendy straws, as they are crucial for hydration.
Starbucks addressed the issue and said that it will keep those with disabilities in mind during the straw switch.
It’ll be interesting to see how Disney customers receive the plastic straw ban, as the brand honors Walt Disney’s notion of “Conservation isn’t just the business of a few people. It’s a matter that concerns all of us.”
