Starbucks is going strawless!
Starbucks announced today that their stores worldwide will begin phasing out plastic straws with a plan to remove them completely by 2020.
There are more than 28,000 stores worldwide and this decision will eliminate more than 1 billion straws a year.
In the straw’s place will be a raised lid that some have already nicknamed the “adult sippy cup.” This cold-cup lid has debuted in over 8,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada and will become the standard for all iced drinks starting in the fall.
While the new cold-cup lid is also made of plastic, it’s made from polypropylene, which is a more commonly-accepted recyclable plastic that can actually be captured in the recycling infrastructure, whereas straws are too small and lightweight to be captured.
This strawless decision is a huge step in fighting ocean pollution and conserving the lives of birds and sea mammals that drastically die each year from eating and getting tangled in plastic waste.
What if I need a straw?
Frappuccinos will be served with a straw made from paper or PLA compostable plastic manufactured from fermented plant starch or other sustainable materials.
However, if you need or prefer a straw, you can request it with your cold drink and they’ll provide an environmentally-friendly one.
Starbucks Quietly Raises Prices
Almost 8,000 locations in the U.S. have seen a quiet price hike from 10-20 cents on brewed coffee. This is the 3rd increase in 3 years and will most likely spread to additional locations.
While there is no evidence that the newest price hike is preparing for the cold-cup lid production, it’s a possibility.
We’re combating the price hikes by using one of our favorite apps to earn cash back at Starbucks.
With Drop, you’ll earn points for every dollar you spend at your favorite brands, including Starbucks. I personally use it for Starbucks, Uber, Target and more and have gotten back gift cards to use at the same locations.
We’re all for going strawless! But be smarter and get money back if they’re going to increase prices.
