We reported on Disney’s conservation efforts announced earlier this summer. These efforts include refillable amenities in resort rooms and the reduction of plastic shopping bags as well as the reduction of plastic straws used at the resorts and restaurants by 2019.
So far, we have seen the refillable amenities showing up across the property.
Refillable Amenities at All Star Music Resort
Refillable amenities have been spotted by the DFB team at Port Orleans French Quarter, Caribbean Beach, Boardwalk Inn, and All-Star Music resorts.
But today, the DFB team has learned that some table service dining locations are starting to put plastic straws on a “request only” status for adults.
We were told at Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Resort that plastic straws are “request only” as of now, and cast members at Cape May Cafe are preparing guests for the “request only” status starting tomorrow.
DFB friend Brett Young noted that cast members informed him that kids will continue to get plastic straws in the kids’ cups.
The “strawpocalypse” doesn’t seem to have hit counter service locations yet. We were able to pick up straws at Woody’s Lunch Box and Sunset Ranch Market today from the dispensers as usual.
So what is a straw loving person to do? I just purchased this collection of Reusable Silicone and Stainless Steel Straws with cleaning brushes in a handy pouch that I’ll be throwing into my park bag for Food and Wine next week.
Reusable Silicone and Stainless Steel Straws with cleaners in a pouch
And what’s the backstory here? In case you’re just tuning in, during the initial announcement of conservation efforts, Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products, had this to share: “Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. These new global efforts help reduce our environmental footprint, and advance our long-term sustainability goals.” Disney also invites guests to explore the following website: www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/environment.
How do you feel about this initiative? Let us know in the comments.
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Btw, someone mentioned earlier that you can recycle straws and while that is technically true, most recycling plants don’t accept plastic straws. Even when recycling plants do accept straws or you bypass that restriction by placing the straws into a larger container most recycling plants throw away a portion of the type 5 plastic (what plastic straws are made of) because it is financially illogical to recycle them all.