Royal Caribbean says it will ban plastic straws
Royal Caribbean, the big cruise ship operator, will be hitting the waves — and leaving plastic straws behind.
The international cruise line has pledged to eliminate plastic straws by the end of 2018. The line will ask guests to use paper straws instead of plastic, according to its Save the Waves program.
“Healthy oceans are vital to the success of our company. For over 25 years, our Save the Waves program has guided us to reduce, reuse, and recycle everything we can,” Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain said.
The line previously promised the plastic ban, but it was unclear when the program would take effect.
The cruise line’s move is in keeping with a larger movement. Environmentalists have targeted plastic straws because they not only foul beaches and waterways, but they are largely unnecessary. People can sip without them. Royal Caribbean also plans to remove other plastic items, such as bags, cups and condiment packets, at the start of 2019. Officials plan to complete the plastic audit by 2020.
Royal Caribbean is the latest company to take a close look at plastics. Other cruise lines such as Hurtigruten and Peregrine Adventures are adopting the anti-plastic policies. McDonald’s is testing a switch to paper straws in the United Kingdom. Alaska Airlines is eliminating plastic drink stirrers on its planes.
Governments are taking action, too. A bill in California would make it illegal for restaurants to serve guests plastic straws, unless requested, with the risk of a $1,000 fine or jail time. In England, Queen Elizabeth has removed plastic straws and cups from the Royal Estates.