The Walt Disney Company is the next company to hop on the band wagon in getting rid of plastic straws that damage the environment and planet. Starbucks recently mentioned that they would be ridding the straws from all of their stores within the next couple years with a goal of being completely plastic straw-less. Disney has now decided that by mid 2019 across all Disney owned locations globally, they will have eliminated plastic straws. This does include all of their theme parks with the exception of Disney Tokyo. Apparently Japan is the only exception when it comes to the theme parks (not entirely sure why).
In addition to the elimination of plastic straws, Disney is also planning on cutting down on plastic elsewhere. They mentioned that there will be changes made to Disney Cruises and hotels where they plan to reduce plastic by 80%, using refillable options in their hotel rooms. The company also wants to cut down on the use of plastic shopping bags and offer patrons the choice of purchasing a reusable bag in their parks.
When asked about this green change for Disney, CEO of Conservation International, said: “Disney has always been inspired by nature -- and it is a uniquely powerful brand that inspires, educates, and entertains, all at the same time. Today’s announcement is more than about reducing single-use plastic waste, it’s also about showing millions of kids and adults from around the world the many ways we can change our daily habits to care for the oceans and protect nature that sustains us all. It also builds on Disney’s longstanding commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship, a legacy that stretches from the highlands of Peru to the islands of the South Pacific.” That was spoken by Dr. M. Sanjayan, the CEO for this non-profit with which Disney has collaborated on environmental and sustainability initiatives.
As a result of the elimination of plastic straws by Disney, it amounts to a total elimination of 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers accumulated annually.
-Producer Lightning