Disney has just announced that — in an effort to increase environmental stewardship — the company “will eliminate single-use plastic straws and plastic stirrers at all owned and operated locations across the globe” by mid-2019.
Single-Use Plastic Straws to be Eliminated
According to the announcement, this change will amount to a reduction of more than 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers annually.
Additional measures in this vein will include the business-wide elimination of polystyrene cups, and the reduction of the number of plastic shopping bags in the Parks, Resorts, and on Disney Cruise Line. (Guests will have the option to purchase reusable bags.)
Guests will See a Reduction of Plastic Shopping Bags in Stores
Resort rooms and Disney Cruise Line staterooms will also see changes. Over the next few years, Disney will transition to refillable in-room amenities, “reducing plastics in guest rooms by 80 percent.”
Resort Guests will See Changes to In-Room Amenities
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.”
A Commitment to Conservation Graphic ©Disney
Disney also invites guests to explore the following website: www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/environment.
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What do you think of the changes coming to Disney Parks and Resorts? Please let us know with a comment!
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Nice job Disney, great start! Keep going!
I’m all for reducing waste. Just 2 quick thoughts though: As a disabled person, I rely on straws to drink. Hopefully Disney will offer paper straws like at Animal Kingdom. Second, reusable amenities in hotel room sounds like housekeeping will just refill shampoo, lotion bottles, etc. Sharing the same bottles with hundreds of guests sounds very germy to me! Maybe the hotels will sanatize bottles in between each guests’ stay??
Actually Michelle, I believe they will install the on the wall dispensers we are seeing across many hotel chains and gyms. The only sanitation they need is to swipe the front and button with a special soap they have developed. No bottles at all. It is not my favorite but it does really save a bunch of plastic.
The biggest change they could make would be refillable mugs like all the others have
I’m thrilled to see Disney taking such a great step toward eliminating their share of the worldwide plastic pollution problem. There are reasonable alternatives to plastic in almost every case. And, there are things each of us can do to reduce our own impact. I try to bring my own water bottle everywhere I go, including to the parks. It’s one of those thermo-protected stainless steel bottles that keeps your ice water cold for more than 24 hours, and it is SO nice to have access to icy cold water all day long in the florida heat! Not to mention the benefit to your pocketbook of not paying a ridiculous amount for bottled water, or even wasting a cup if you get it for free at a restaurant.
Thanks for breaking this news, AJ and team – made my day!
Obviously reducing waste is great; however, spilling soda on myself because a cup doesn’t have a lid? Getting burned by a hot drink? And why would I purchase a bag? I may be more inclined to no longer purchase a high priced souvenir if I then have to purchase a bag. Would guests now drag empty bags around w them to the parks. As to refillable soap and shampoo, that’s just gross. I’m not paying for a hotel stay and then using the same soap the previous guest used. How can we be sure it’s tamper proof. Seriously, Disney needs to rethink this.
These are all good moves. I agree with Michelle that some kind of gratis straw should be available to those who need them (like my husband, who has had a stroke) upon request. I have tons of Disney plastic bags and frequently decline bags at the parks if I already have one from a previous purchase. I also carry a fold up shopping bag that fits in my pocket and holds quite a bit. That way I can just take the receipt and the item, no bag needed.
I’m not a fan of the wall dispensers, which they had before, but this is common in many hotels and shouldn’t be a problem to keep clean. It’s not like they are refilling plastic bottles like we buy with hand soap at the grocery store. I suspect that rather than refilling the bottles in the rack, they will take away the empties and replace them with full bottles. This will eliminate lots of waste as they won’t need all those little separate bottles and cakes of soap, which honestly many people just take home for souvenirs anyway.
Back in 1970’s Disney had NO plastic straws on property..they were all Paper. They burned all the garbage they could to make energy for cooling the attractions..therefore paper straws.
I never did understand why, by the 1990’s they went to all plastic straws..the paper ones were thick enough that they did not dissolve while you were still drinking which the critics of paper think will happen.
Understand the reduction of plastic straw use, but please keep in mind that many persons with disability need to use straws, and paper straws can collapse and cause a choking hazard. Important to keep some of those plastic straws on hand if needed by these folks!!!
I think this is a good thing. How awesome for the environment. I love it.. Good Job Disney…. now if U could just lower prices that would be fabulous !!!!!!!!
This is all said and good, But now ZIplock is sponsoring SPlash Mountain, There will be Ziplock bags to keep your cell phone dry and this is what was in article and I quote: ” This new sponsor is said to be Ziploc. As part of the sponsorship, guests who visit the attraction will have access to Ziploc bags. These bags will great for guests to use to keep their cell phone and other personal items dry while on the attraction since Splash Mountain is a water attraction where guests are very likely to get wet.” Most of these bags will be going into the garbage afterwards. So they Disney trying to take a step forward, but also going backwards at the same time,.
Nancy in the 70s it was because everybody wanted to save the trees and they didn’t worry about plastic. . Just like in the 70s early 70’s we were all encouraged to use as much gas as we wanted
.. there were even incentives to get gas street lights and gas clothes dryers
These changes will statistically have minimal impact on the environment, simply symbolism. Not a big fan of dispensers in the rooms as it is not very sanitary. This simply puts more money in Disney’s pockets, a few less costs to them.
1. if doing away with throw aways in resort rooms, are they actually going to wash drinking mugs/glasses? I never use those at any hotel because I don’t believe Housekeeping washes them–only rinses them.
2. Buy a reusable bag? OMG here’s another revenue source for Disney–as if they need another one. How about providing each guest who stays on property with one to take with to the parks, etc.? And what will they use for items that we purchase and then have delivered to the resorts as one of the perks of staying on-site? I’m just guessing it will be plastic!
3. Paper straws are fine but I want a straw!
4. I don’t need toiletries in room. I am very allergic to fragrance and bring my own. I don’t want wall dispensers that will drip and then I’ll have to worry about stepping in fragrance. Plus it’s tacky looking.
Now if Disney can teach ALL of their servers to STOP TOUCHING THE TOP OF THE GLASS where you will be drinking from, then we would not need straws. However, just watch how the Disney servers handle your drinks when they are setting them down in front of you. Really, really UNSANITARY and disgusting !!! That is why we ALWAYS ASK FOR STRAWS !!! We will bring our own if we need to.
This is less about the saving the environment, and more about Disney virtue-signaling, and saving money so they have more in their own pocket. Seriously, am I suppose to cart bags with me into the park for merchandise I may buy? Guess I’ll be bringing my own PLASTIC straws! Ugh.
I’m all for “saving” the planet but me purchasing a bag when I’ve already paid $$ for my Disney merch… No, not okay. Use paper bags like many fine retail establishments.
Use paper straws and biodegradabile stirrers – you can burn them for Energy. You used to.
The tolietry items figure something out, recycled plastics etc. Especially in Deluxe resorts that’s far too much money for that appearance of gym dispensers.
Hmmm…sounds like the biggest benefactor of this move will be Disney itself…more money in their pockets for sure…until they get their fellow Disney friends near Shanghai Disney to stop their massive waste dumping, unfortunately, the small gesture being made here, won’t have much of an impact in the big scheme of things. The money grabs by Disney, lately, must have poor Walt rolling in his grave…if they weren’t so money hungry, and were really concerned about the environment, they would allow resort guests to also use their refillable cups in the parks…they could also include a reusable straw with them! #thisproblemismuchbiggerthanaplasticstraw
I’m curious how a lack of straws (or possibly paper straws?) will work with shakes or malts. I honestly don’t know as I’ve never tried to drink one without a plastic straw.
Before this article I never really thought about any of these issues. I have a degree in sanitation and I have been a maid in a hotel and a restaurant manager plus I have lived with numerous people with OCD so I try to keep it real as well as immaculate, but now you are just making me think how yucky each of these experiences could potentially be. Individually wrapped plastic items are abundantly more sanitary than water washed since water has contaminants. We know this because when we use boiled water for mixes like Kool aid as apposed to non boiled water, the Kool aid of non boiled water gets slimy after a couple of days but the Kool aid with boiled water stays fresh for weeks. Coincidence? I think not. I would rather burn plastic than have weird fungus in my mouth and other parts of my body. I will bring my own supplies from now on. I don’t want my Magical experience ruined by my own fears. 🙁
I see this as just another way to gouge the people who are willing to pay their exorbitant prices on everything from ticket prices to food & souvenir prices! We have been there 4 times but we will not ever return. Our visit was not what we had hoped for especially since it cost us over $1,000. 00 more than expected!
This is a cost savings move packaged as environmentally motivated.
I think this is a great idea. I already carry a metal straw with me, and never use a plastic straw. I also carry a reusable bag with me. We need to reduce our waste and everyone can do there part.
I despise paper straws. They taste horrible. They expand and get mushy after awhile. Unless you get free refills, you aren’t getting everything you overpaid for because paper straws soak up your drink.
Disney shouldn’t get rid of plastic straws. Plastic straws should be available by request. I refuse to buy and bring a reusable straw. That’s just another thing to have to keep track of, keep clean, and pay again to replace when it’s lost or stolen. I am not paying extra to make Disney look better.
I will decline a reusable Disney bag and request a plastic bag. Again, I am not paying extra just to make Disney look better.
I am actually perturbed at Disney’s move because I see it as only a move to pander to environmentalists. The fact is, straws are less than 0.03% of all plastic waste worldwide, lidless drinks will be a DISASTER for those of us with children. Paper straws are disgusting, I never drink out of a glass at public restaurants etc bc many servers do touch the area we would otherwise drink out of-GROSS! My husband got a MRSA infection last time we were at WDW and is still dealing with long term effects of this super bacteria almost a year later. Having reusable or refillable dispensers is NOT sanitary for this particular reason I just stated. I also would like to state the obvious, just about every item you purchase at Disney is PLASTIC! Reusable straws are just as dangerous to animals, if not more than a disposable plastic. I’m concerned about the disabled bc paper is most definitely inadequate for them. Someone commented about shakes and smoothies…if it was a super hard firm paper straw almost cardboard like…maybe, but the treehuggers will be screaming about the paper waste soon too. The other thing I just thought about, bags-reusable ones, they’re made of PLASTIC! So back to what I said to start, this is all pandering and still barely a drop in the bucket on plastic waste.
All this to say, I use reusable straws at home, am more than happy to forgo plastic straws and would like to see some type of positive change bc I am not an environmentalist but a conservationist (yes there’s a difference). I just think there’s better options than just flat out elimination.
Of course they should get rid of plastic straws…I get that it is a symbolic gesture and won’t have that much impact on the overall use of plastic waste but it’s a good start.
What I don’t get is why they need to phase it in? Why can’t they say that, from Monday, straws will no longer be available except on request to those with medical needs. Send the retained stock off to be recycled. They’d get great PR.
I live in Wales, U.K. and we have had a 5p charge in stores for plastic bags since 2011, with Scotland and England following in 14 & 15. This was set up in order to reduced the amount of plastic bags filling landfill sites with the 5p charges intended to be donated to charities of the retailers choice.
No doubt the charge will still be a contentious issue, but if Disney donated the 5 cents per bag to charity (wildlife / environmental concerns not it’s own subsidiaries, and perhaps changing its ‘worthy causes’ monthly or seasonally) it might sweeten the deal a little for those of us spending an fortune on Disney March and then being told we have to pay for a bag… Hahaha, I can dream anyway ^_~
Fold up, lightweight, strong, pocket sized reusable bags in fun shapes and colours are big business here so if they’re not on the shelves already, it surely won’t be long before Disney adds themed ones to the stores.
As to bye bye plastic straws, I have to admit I’m not keen on the waxy, gummy taste of the paper type (and like someone else mentioned, am wondering how they’ll hold up with things like milkshakes, Nob Hill Chills, anything with boba pearls in, and Dole whip floats) but perhaps Disney will keep some plastic ones behind the counters as an ‘available on request only’ option for those who need them?
Polystyrene cups are the worst, so glad to see the back of them!
This is fantastic! Finally! Down with plastics!! I don’t understand the people who are against making the planet cleaner if it means any sort of minor change to their norm. You realize we all have to live on the planet right? And continue to do so?
Here in the UK we have got used to taking our own bags when we go shopping or paying 5p per bag. What’s wrong with using paper bags? I assume that the goods that you get shipped back to your hotel will be in a reusable bag which you have the option of purchasing when you pick up your goods or you just say no and leave it behind.
Again here in the UK we seem to use wooden stirrers which are recyclable. Be interesting to see how they replace the lids on drinks cups
How r u suppose to drink a malt with out a plastic straw and paper cups will collapse and then u have it all over u Disney is finding a way to make more money and then there is the charge to stay at a resort and have to pay for your parking spot making harder for people to come to Disney so so unfair they’ve not the same Disney they use to b how sad I grew up on Disney like a lot of people have Walt Disney would b so sad to c what is going on what r they going to do next to ruin things and not every one can ride the roller coaster type attractions
From as early as I can remember in the 1950′ we had paper straws! We used them for anything you drank…yes even the milkshakes… these are not thin paper…they are thick they last thru coca-cola which eats thru corosion on your car battery!! even the drink cups were Wax coated paper cups!!
Don’t worry kids…it works!!
This is an awesome move for Disney both financially and for the environment.
If you think paper straws are nasty, then bring a metal straw.
If you are going to complain about having to carry a reusable straw, because that is “difficult”, all I can do is laugh. I’m sure you can figure it out.
We are talking about the state of the world and keeping it clean. Having Disney take these steps, albeit small as they are, at least is starting to roll the ball forward.
I know you paid your money and thus are “owed” everything you desire, but we all live in the same world and everyone should be able to enjoy it.
I cannot wait for the day when people make the environment a priority and view themselves as an active member with responsibility…
I recently received several metal reusable straws to replace plastic ones and they work great. I have regular and thick ones. The images of all tons of plastic on the beaches of popular tourist spots like the Dominican Republic and animals entangled in plastic was a wake up call for me. We can all make a difference using reusable straws, water bottles and shopping bags. Zoos have banned them for years and somehow visitors have adapted. I’m proud to make my little dent in the problem and happy that Disney is taking this step too.
This is great, I already carry a metal straw with me. Plus, I carry utensils and a cloth napkin for using at Food and Wine Festival especially. Can we do away with the single use forks at each festival booth? Like an incentive (discount, etc) for buying a bamboo cutlery set embossed with the Disney logo (I would love to have a set like that)!
Stacey, I’m in for a bamboo set, too! Great idea!
I can’t understand the issue others are having with straws. I think it is a great idea to do away with plastic straws that’s all Disney had for years. Paper works just fine and do come in a wider version for things like shakes. If you prefer plastic bring your own and that shouldn’t be a big deal. Shopping bags however need to be provided free with purchase either plastic or quality paper, otherwise I will ship everything I buy back to my hotel room and Disney can figure out how it gets there. I will not use cheap wall gym shampoo or body soap and for even a stay at a moderate it isn’t appropriate for any rooms except value resorts.
You can’t make everyone happy, no matter what you do. I’m ok with reusable bags, as it’s probably an affordable extra souvenir! Furthermore, I’d be happy to see paper bags for merchandise (either with handles or like the vintage printed paper bags). Give us reusable mickey shaped curly straws as an option to paper straws! Bring your own shampoos with you if you don’t like the dispensers! I love bringing the resort shampoos home with me, so if the dispenser is the only option, one could bring empty travel bottles to fill them up with the resort shampoo. Shh
I already bring reusable straws and silverware into the parks with me, so I’m happy to see Disney cutting down on plastic.
I’m not sure why everyone is so upset about the reusable bags since Disney store has been doing this for awhile? I just purchase another bag if I forget mine and they’re like $0.99? I’m sure the parks will have something similar or toss one in your backpack for the day.
O.. Boy, here we go. Great fabulous. Since your deep vacation pockets are full of money I guess they can get a little deeper for Disney reusable bags. Since we are paying to eat,sleep, play,park, shop that is not enough now we must pay for bags to put our over priced merchandise in. Option 2 drag a bag from home lucky me. Honestly, I know Disney probably can’t afford giving guests a bag especially one for guests who are staying on site. Happiest place on earth. Thought we were going on vacation to get away from the cares of the world not to bring them with us. I do appreciate the other steps but having purchase more for more sake gets me.
Amazon has a whole bunch of collapsible travel straws for sale.
Great going, Disney! Go ahead, get rid of the plastic straws. I recently bought from a popular online store a set of eight stainless steel straws… short, long, straight, bent, thin, thick, and every on of them with optional 1″ silicon sleeves to protect lips from hot or cold straws. They even came in a little drawstring bag, making them easy to carry in my purse or keep in the glove compartment of my car. Even so, I’m thinking of buying a zippered pouch to carry them in.
Love the idea. Funny that over the past few days of buying these, I’ve been asked if I wanted it put in a plastic bag.
When has plastic straws been only considered as single use? They can be reused. if you can carry around a brush for your metal ones, you can certainly use it on plastic. I’d bring my own, use one a day. Then take them home and put them in the recycling.
Soap dispensers and the like. What’s the big deal? Don’t they dispense pretty much the same thing used to clean them? How exactly can soap be dirty? It’s used to clean.
Humans are too germophobic. We can’t develope resistances to something we don’t get exposed to, once in while.