How are Businesses Affecting Their Production of Plastic?
Consumers can only do so much reducing, reusing, and recycling. It is up to the producers in making a drastic change in the materials they use.
Many big manufacturers and companies produce plastic products. They are not helping to contribute in any changes that would benefit the plastic pollution that has consistently proven to be a major environmental issue. However, this past year , it has been noticed that some major corporations and even small businesses have realized their mistakes and are striving to change the ways of their production.
Starbucks is one of the leading coffee chains in the world and will be committing $10 million dollars “to develop a fully recyclable and compostable global cup solution” (Starbucks, 2018). They have already started to implement their new designs of a recyclable lid that does not require the use of a straw. Erin Simon, director of sustainability research & development and material science at World Wildlife Fund, U.S, states that, “Starbucks’ goal to eliminate plastic straws by 2020 from their stores globally represents the company’s forward thinking in tackling the material waste challenge in totality”. Straws are a major contributor in the waste we find in our oceans and have the most devastating effect on species. But is that enough of a change? A majority of this company’s cups are plastic. Hopefully we do not have to wait a long time for this “global cup solution”.
The impact on sea life has been immense. The viral video below depicts Costa Rican researchers struggling to remove a plastic straw that has been stuck in the nostril of a sea turtle. It is found that 30% of sea turtles have some amount of plastic in their systems.
Warning: The following video contains graphic content.
Starbucks isn't the only place manufacturing and giving away plastic straws. However, it did inspire restaurants and diners to reduce the amount of straws that they use. Food establishments now will not be further offering straws with customers drinks. Unless a customer personally asks for one, they will not be provided.
Santa Cruz, California has officially become the first city to implement a plastic ban. According to the city, “food service businesses [will] change all to-go food service ware to items that are biodegradable, compostable or recyclable in the City of Santa Cruz recycling program. This includes food containers, beverage lids, cutlery and straws. These changes will aid in the City’s duty to protect its natural environment, economy and citizens’ health”. This is an incredible game changer. My only hope is for other cities to take this lead and follow in the footsteps of Santa Cruz.
To name a few, other big companies such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and IKEA, are also striving to make a change in their materials. The United Nations Environment Programme have posted an article this summer that further explains the changes that will be made in these other companies. If you are interested in learning more about this, I have attached the link below.
Why are straws such a major issue? It is because they’re made of relatively thin material, straws break down into smaller plastic particles known as micro-plastics more quickly and are not easily recyclable. What are some ways you can reduce the use of straws when ordering drinks or at a restaurant? Do you think this will be an easy transition for many straw users? Let me know in the comments below.
