Starbucks' Plastic Straw Ban + Giveaway!

Starbucks announced last week that they will be removing plastic straws from their stores, completely, by 2020.  It is a small step to help reduce waste and (hopefully) help save the oceans.  If you have had any of their Nitro or Cold Foam beverages, you will have already experienced the new lid.  That lid, which has been labeled as a "sippy cup for adults" by the online community, is set to take the place of all plastic straw-using iced drinks with the exception of the Frappuccino.  Frapp purchasers will be given a straw made of sustainable material.  What sustainable material?  That remains to be seen.  And, for those of you wondering, you may request a sustainable straw no matter which iced drink you get.  They have also invested in working to create a "fully recyclable and compostable hot cup".  Hopefully the material they find is durable and won't take ages to full break down once it is tossed.  While we were incredibly happy to hear that Starbucks is implementing and working towards change, we wonder if these efforts will do as much good as they are claiming.  Unless the companies producing plastic straws discontinue them for a more sustainable replacement, they will continue to be made regardless of bans.  You can read more about our thoughts on internal conflict here.  Another issue was brought up about those with disabilities.  Some people need to use a plastic straw (versus metal, paper, acrylic, etc.) because they have no other choice.  In response, plastic straws will be available to those who truly need them.  

We can't help but think there can be a way to help save and protect the environment while making sure everyone is included.  We are the ones causing the most negative impact on the planet (you don't see the animals creating mass pollution, eh?), and while Mother Nature does a relatively good job of cleaning up our messes and regenerating, there will be a point when the planet reaches a threshold.  If we can do little things now, who knows the positive impact it will have in the long run?  Maybe, instead of winding up in oceans, streets, etc., there will be facilities that will be able to completely re-purpose single-use straws and plastics.  While we don't expect a utopia, we do expect humans to do their part.  Of course, the other argument focuses on third-world countries, where they have trash everywhere and not the resources to improve conditions.  But that's for another time.

Note:  We have tried out the new lid when the Nitro Peach Tea was introduced.  The lid resembles the hot cup lid, but with a higher, more pronounced angle and wider spout.  It is also more flexible that it's hot drink counterpart.  Did we get flashbacks of being toddlers?  No.  Did we feel like we were drinking out of a sippy cup?  No.  It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing change, but if it does make a difference, then we're willing to deal with it.

What are your thoughts?  Would you have re-invented the cup lid or come up with a different alternative?  Let us know!

We're also having another giveaway!  This time, for #plasticfreeJuly, we are providing a zero-waste beginner's kit.  Okay, it isn't 100% plastic-free because the glass straw has a protective plastic sleeve...but you get the idea.  Details to follow.

Stay beautiful!