The Walt Disney Company is joining the likes of McDonald's and Starbucks when it comes to making environmentally-friendly moves.
The beloved company announced this week that it will eliminate single-use straws and plastic stirrers at all of its theme parks and resorts by mid-2019.
“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. Check out this blog post to read more on the official announcement.
“These new global efforts help reduce our environmental footprint, and advance our long-term sustainability goals.”
The Walt Disney Company estimated that its efforts to stem the use of straws and stirrers at parks will amount to a reduction of “more than 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers annually.”
Like Starbucks, Disney will have paper straws available upon request. In the mean time, the company says it is currently in the process of identifying and developing "alternative options" for Disney-guests with disabilities.
Other Eco-friendly changes are coming to all Disney parks and resorts. Over the next several years, Disney will introduce refillable in-room amenities and they will reduce the number of single-use plastic bags in their parks. Guests will be offered the option to purchase reusable bags.
Sea World, Busch Gardens and Sesame Place have all made similar moves in announcing initiatives to phase out straws and plastics at parks.
What are your guys thoughts on this environmentally-friendly move from Disney?
Photos: Getty Images