Marriott bars plastic straws from all 60 of its hotels in Britain
THE world’s largest hotel chain is removing plastic straws from all 60 of its properties in Britain — including some of London’s best known five-star destinations — in the latest victory for the Standard’s Last Straw campaign.
Marriott International, owner of the Grosvenor House on Park Lane, the W London in Leicester Square, the St Pancras Renaissance and the Park Tower in Knightsbridge, said hotel managers had started removing plastic straws from bars and restaurants “with immediate effect”. Customers who request straws will be offered biodegradable or paper alternatives.
Michel Miserez, Marriott International’s vice president for the UK and Ireland, said: “Our UK hotels used 300,000 straws last year. By removing plastic straws we are making a small but significant step in playing our part in reducing the volume of plastic that damages our environment and wildlife. Incorporating environmental and social initiatives like this one into our business is the right thing to do.”
Karaoke bar operator Lucky Voice, which has outlets in Soho and Islington, also joined the campaign, pledging to rid its venues of plastic straws by March 1. Managing director Charlie Elek said: “Like many others, we’ve been addressing the challenge of working through existing stock, but have been spurred on to more immediate action by the London Evening Standard’s fantastic The Last Straw campaign.
“Our next step is to look at the inflatables we use as props, such as inflatable guitars and microphones.” The campaign calls on hospitality businesses in London to stop handing out plastic straws or draw up plans to replace them with biodegradable alternatives by the end of the year.
It was praised today by industry body the British Sandwich and Food to Go Association, which described it as a “great start” but also pointed out that more work is needed to encourage the public to recycle other forms of packaging. @JonPrynn