--- title: The war on straws – why you should say no to plastic description: Approximately eight million tons of plastic waste enters the oceans each year. Here are some tips on how to eliminate plastic waste from your business. image: https://blog.typsy.com/hubfs/War_on_straws_banner.jpg --- [Turn guest feedback into action with ReviewLearn ![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/arrow-right.svg)](https://www.typsy.com/platform/features/reviewlearn) ![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/user-profile-circle.svg) LOGIN [Member](https://member.typsy.com/) [Manager](https://manager.typsy.com/) | [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/headphones-white.svg) CONTACT US](https://www.typsy.com/contact) [![Typsy Brand](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/typsy-public-website/New_Typsy_Logo_Red_PMS.svg)](https://www.typsy.com/) [BOOK A DEMO](https://www.typsy.com/contact/demo) [![Typsy](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/typsy-public-website/New_Typsy_Logo_Red_PMS.svg)](https://www.typsy.com/) [Search courses](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses) - Platform Platform [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/trusted-content-at-scale.svg) Trusted content at scale The world's largest and fastest-growing hospitality library.](https://www.typsy.com/platform/hospitality-training-library) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/global-hospitalility-credentials.svg) Global hospitality credentials Industry-recognized Typsy credentials validating real-world hospitality capability.](https://www.typsy.com/platform/hospitality-certifications) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/performance-intellgience.svg) Performance intelligence AI-powered intelligence that connects learning to measurable operational performance.](https://www.typsy.com/platform/performance-intelligence) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/hospitality-learning-operations.svg) Hospitality learning operations Infrastructure that embeds workforce capability into daily hospitality operations at scale.](https://www.typsy.com/platform/learning-operations) Innovation & Tools [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/reviewlearn.svg) ReviewLearn](https://www.typsy.com/platform/features/reviewlearn) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/smartcards.svg) SmartCards](https://www.typsy.com/platform/features/smartcards) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/custom-content.svg) Custom content](https://www.typsy.com/platform/features/custom-content) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/language-translations.svg) Language translations](https://www.typsy.com/platform/features/language-translations) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/reporting.svg) Reporting](https://www.typsy.com/platform/features/reporting) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/activities.svg) Activities](https://www.typsy.com/platform/features/activities) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/assign-training.svg) Assign training](https://www.typsy.com/platform/features/assign-training) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/nav_bar_svg_310x200/reviewlearn-pink.svg) ReviewLearn Turn guest reviews into targeted training automatically. TRY REVIEWLEARN](https://www.typsy.com/platform/features/reviewlearn) - Solutions By role [Owners](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/roles/hospitality-owners) [CEO](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/roles/ceo) [CFO](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/roles/cfo) [Hotel GMs & property leaders](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/roles/hotel-general-managers) [Group operations](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/roles/operations-leaders) [HR & talent](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/roles/hr-talent) [Learning & development](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/roles/learning-development) [Guest experience & quality assurance](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/roles/guest-experience-leaders) By business challenge [Accelerate onboarding](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/employee-onboarding) [Workforce engagement & retention](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/staff-engagement-retention) [Leadership development](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/leadership-development) [Compliance & risk management](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/compliance-training) [Brand consistency](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/brand-consistency) [Service quality & guest satisfaction](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/guest-experience) By organization type [Hotels, resorts & accommodation](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/industries/hotels-resorts) [Restaurant & F&B groups](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/industries/restaurants-food-service) [Hospitality operators](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/industries/hospitality-operators) [Hospitality education & training](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/industries/hospitality-schools) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/nav_bar_image_458x444/manager-on-mobile.png) Cut onboarding time in half See how leading hospitality brands get their teams floor-ready faster. EXPLORE ONBOARDING](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/employee-onboarding) - Resources Customer success [Customer stories](https://www.typsy.com/customer-stories) [ROI calculator](https://www.typsy.com/roi-calculator) Company & expertise [About us](https://www.typsy.com/about) [Partner ecosystem](https://www.typsy.com/partners) [Industry awards](https://www.typsy.com/awards) [Blog](https://www.typsy.com/learn/blog) Platform & trust [Security & Compliance](https://www.typsy.com/platform/security-compliance) [Global scalability](https://www.typsy.com/platform/global-scalability) [Implementation & Support](https://www.typsy.com/platform/implementation-support) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/nav_bar_svg_310x200/roi-calc.svg) Calculate Your ROI Discover exactly how much your business can save by reducing turnover and streamlining team training. TRY THE CALCULATOR](https://www.typsy.com/roi-calculator) - [Pricing](https://www.typsy.com/pricing) [SIGN UP](https://www.typsy.com/pricing) [BOOK A DEMO](https://www.typsy.com/contact/demo) [Help Center](https://intercom.help/typsy/en/)[Contact Us](https://www.typsy.com/contact) Hospitality operations # The war on straws – why you should say no to plastic [Emily Marr](https://blog.typsy.com/author/emily-marr) Sep 7, 2018 --- It’s a no-brainer that plastic is bad for the environment. Just turn to your local beach and there’s a good chance you’ll find at least one piece of plastic washed up on the sand. With calls to action increasing, supermarkets around the world have taken up a stand and gone single-use plastic bag free. But things aren’t stopping there. Environmental activists are now turning to plastic straws with many groups stating that in some countries, like Australia, about [10 million](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-19/mcdonalds-australia-to-phase-out-plastic-straws-by-2020/10012172) plastic straws are used every day. The call to action has been heard across the world and now businesses, airlines, hotels and more are taking the pledge to go plastic straw free. So, what is the plastic straw war all about and what should you do about it? ## **![War\_on\_straws\_banner](https://blog.typsy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/War_on_straws_banner.jpg?width=750&name=War_on_straws_banner.jpg)** The plastic straw war may only just be hitting the media enforce now, but it’s been happening in communities across the world for years. Countries like [Morocco](https://www.businessinsider.com.au/plastic-straw-ban-why-are-there-so-many-2018-7?r=US&IR=T) have been regulating plastics since 2016, while the [city of Seattle](https://www.fastcompany.com/40580132/here-are-the-u-s-cities-that-have-banned-plastic-straws-so-far) has been the forerunner on the plastic straw ban since 2008. Fast forward to 2018 and the city has now become the first major US city to ban single-use plastic straws and utensils.  But it’s not just countries and cities taking on the plastic straw ban. [Global businesses](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/07/news-how-plastic-straw-bans-work/) including Starbucks, Bacardi Rum, McDonald’s, Marriott Hotels, Hyatt hotels, American Airlines and more have all decided to phase out plastic straws in the coming years. So, what’s all the fuss about? Well, recent statistics show that in the US [390 million](https://get-green-now.com/environmental-impact-plastic-straws/) plastic straws are used each day. Unfortunately, this is where the issue lies: many people don’t actually need plastic straws to enjoy the drinks they love. And many who use plastic straws don’t dispose of them correctly. In many cases, plastic straws end up in waterways which then flow into the ocean. From there they are carried by currents to ocean borne-garbage grounds like the Pacific Garbage Patch – now with a total mass of approximately [80,000 tons](https://www.theoceancleanup.com/great-pacific-garbage-patch/) and a weight equivalent to 500 Jumbo Jets. If having a huge plastic dumping ground in the ocean isn’t bad enough, sadly many pieces of plastic are consumed by animals traveling along the ocean currents. [The Ocean Cleanup](https://www.theoceancleanup.com/great-pacific-garbage-patch/) estimates that about 700 aquatic species have encountered marine debris, and 92% of these interactions are with plastic. As marine life, such as fish and shellfish, consume plastics they also consume the harmful chemical which are contained within the items. Humans then consume these animals and inadvertently consume those plastic chemicals. [Studies](http://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/what-happens-when-marine-animals-eat-plastic/) have even shown that plastic chemicals can have a disruptive impact on humans with some even causing cancer. If these statistics are making you think twice about plastic, that’s just the first step. Saying goodbye to the plastic straw in your business doesn’t have to be a struggle.If you worry that your customers will complain, take into consideration that for many people using a plastic straw is not even a necessity. However, keep in mind that for some people, plastic straws are a necessity. Those with disabilities often use plastic straws to help them eat and drink. Despite the availability of plastic free options, many are not suitable to be used in liquids above 40 degrees Celsius making them impractical for soups or hot beverages. If you do plan to implement a plastic straw free initiative in your business, here are a few options you can look towards: ### **‘Request only’ straws** Many drinks don’t actually need a straw to be sipped on, so implement a system where customers need to request to receive one. You could then choose whether the straws you offer are reusable or plastic. This option is great, especially if you have customers with disabilities who need to use a straw to eat or drink. From September 1, 2018, [Hyatt Hotels](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180709005135/en/Hyatt-Announces-Global-Efforts-Reduce-Single-Use-Plastics) around the world made plastic straws available on request only with eco-friendly alternatives provided where available. ### **Reusable straws** Scrap the one-use plastic straws completely and start using reusable straws. Much like the reusable cups customers now use to purchase their coffees, look at reusable straws – glass, metal or silicone - too. This type of straw can be costly, to even it out why not bring in a ‘pay for a straw’ system to your restaurant? Starbucks has implemented this idea already and have had a huge success with their reusable cup and straw combo. Plus, it’s great marketing too!     ### **Naturally degradable straws** There are many options on the market and some are even made from renewable resources, are biodegradable and compostable. That means that even if your straws do accidentally end up in the environment, the harm done is significantly less when compared to plastic. Look to companies, like [Aardvark Straws](https://www.aardvarkstraws.com/), who are providing options like paper which decompose in around a month. Plus, they are the only global company offering bendable straws too!   --- Getting on board the War on Straws is a great way to help the environment. With a variety of plastic free options on the market, it’s easy to get involved. But, before you jump on the bandwagon, keep in mind that some of your customers need plastic straws to help them eat and drink.    **Looking for more ideas on how to decrease your waste? Typsy instructor and CEO of Toast Ale, [Rob Wilson](https://www.typsy.com/instructors/rob-wilson), can give you some tips.**   --- [![Typsy We teach hospitality to the world typsy.com blog banner \_ (1)](https://blog.typsy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Typsy%20%20We%20teach%20hospitality%20to%20the%20world%20%20typsy.com%20blog%20banner%20_%20(1).png?width=858&name=Typsy%20%20We%20teach%20hospitality%20to%20the%20world%20%20typsy.com%20blog%20banner%20_%20(1).png)](https://www.typsy.com/sign-up?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Social+media&utm_campaign=Blog+banner&utm_id=Blog) **Typsy’s 1000+ hospitality lessons are practical, effective, and fun! You can learn more about everything from finance to service and leadership skills.** **Best of all, you can access Typsy as and when it suits you.** **Learn your way - starting today.**   --- **You might also like:**   |  [![7 cool ways going sustainable](https://blog.typsy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/7%20cool%20ways%20going%20sustainable.jpg?width=200&name=7%20cool%20ways%20going%20sustainable.jpg)](https://blog.typsy.com/7-cool-ways-restaurants-are-going-sustainable) [7 cool ways restaurants are going sustainable](https://blog.typsy.com/7-cool-ways-restaurants-are-going-sustainable) |  [![Unique ways coffee grounds](https://blog.typsy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Unique%20ways%20coffee%20grounds.jpg?width=200&name=Unique%20ways%20coffee%20grounds.jpg)](https://blog.typsy.com/recycling-coffee-ground) [Unique ways to recycle](https://blog.typsy.com/recycling-coffee-ground) [coffee grounds](https://blog.typsy.com/recycling-coffee-ground) | [![Creative ways food waste](https://blog.typsy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Creative%20ways%20food%20waste.jpg?width=200&name=Creative%20ways%20food%20waste.jpg)](https://blog.typsy.com/creative-ways-to-reduce-food-waste-in-restaurant) [Creative ways to reduce  food waste in your  restaurant](https://blog.typsy.com/creative-ways-to-reduce-food-waste-in-restaurant) | | --- | --- | --- |     [Hospitality operations](https://blog.typsy.com/topic/hospitality-operations) [Hospitality trends](https://blog.typsy.com/topic/hospitality-trends) [Team performance](https://blog.typsy.com/topic/team-performance) ## Similar posts Typsy news ### [New mentor session: Rob Wilson](https://blog.typsy.com/new-mentor-session-rob-wilson) Rob Wilson explains how Toast Ale is helping to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by turning bread waste into award-winning craft beer! Ivana Rnjak Nov 19, 2017 Hospitality operations ### [How breweries are making beer and tackling food waste](https://blog.typsy.com/how-breweries-making-beer-tackling-food-waste) Across the globe, we waste 1.3 billion tonnes of food per year. Take a look at what breweries like Toast Ale are doing to reduce food waste. Chloe Papas Nov 16, 2017 Hospitality operations ### [5 ways to cut restaurant food waste and increase profits](https://blog.typsy.com/5-ways-to-cut-restaurant-food-waste-and-increase-profits) Reducing food waste in your restaurant can be very effective to boost your profits. Find out how to tackle the issue with these tips from Jesiah... Jesiah Mauck Jun 14, 2017 ### Get notified on new marketing insights Be the first to know about new B2B SaaS Marketing insights to build or refine your marketing function with the tools and knowledge of today’s industry. [About us](https://www.typsy.com/about) [Courses](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses) [Pricing](https://www.typsy.com/pricing) [Contact us](https://www.typsy.com/contact) ###### Platform & Trust [Platform overview](https://www.typsy.com/platform) [Trusted hospitality content at scale](https://www.typsy.com/platform/hospitality-training-library) [Global hospitality credentials](https://www.typsy.com/platform/hospitality-certifications) [Performance intelligence](https://www.typsy.com/platform/performance-intelligence) [Hospitality learning operations](https://www.typsy.com/platform/learning-operations) [Language translations](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/training-translations) [Integrations & infrastructure](https://www.typsy.com/platform/integrations) ###### Solutions [Accelerate onboarding](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/employee-onboarding) [Workforce engagement & retention](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/staff-engagement-retention) [Leadership development](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/leadership-development) [Compliance & risk management](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/compliance-training) [Brand consistency](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/brand-consistency) [Service quality & guest satisfaction](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/challenges/guest-experience) ###### Hospitality segments [Hotels, resorts & accommodation](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/industries/hotels-resorts) [Restaurants & F&B groups](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/industries/restaurants-food-service) [Hospitality operators](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/industries/hospitality-operators) [Hospitality education](https://www.typsy.com/solutions/industries/hospitality-schools) ###### Hospitality courses [Courses overview](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses) [Beverage courses](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses/beverage) [Business courses](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses/business) [Compliance courses](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses/compliance) [Culinary courses](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses/culinary) [Hotel courses](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses/hotel) [Management courses](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses/management) [Service courses](https://www.typsy.com/discover/courses/service) ###### Company & resources [About us](https://www.typsy.com/about) [Contact us](https://www.typsy.com/contact) [Help Hub](https://intercom.help/typsy/en/) [Implementation & support](https://www.typsy.com/platform/implementation-support) [ROI calculator](https://www.typsy.com/roi-calculator) [Partner ecosystem](https://www.typsy.com/partners) [Security & compliance](https://www.typsy.com/platform/security-compliance) [Typsy shop](https://www.typsy.com/shop) [Become an instructor](https://www.typsy.com/company/become-an-instructor) [Blog](https://www.typsy.com/learn/blog) [![Typsy](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/logo-white.svg)](https://www.typsy.com/) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/typsy-linkin-icon.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/7953302/) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/typsy-instragram-icon.svg)](http://www.instagram.com/asktypsy) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/typsy-facebookicon.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/asktypsy) [![](https://orchardcore.typsy.com/media/svg-icons-2026/typsy-youtube-icon.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@Typsy) Hospitality insights that turn operational challenges into better performance. By submitting this form, you agree to Typsy's [Terms](https://www.typsy.com/legal) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.typsy.com/legal/privacy-policy). © 2026 Typsy. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://www.typsy.com/legal/privacy-policy) [Terms](https://www.typsy.com/legal)