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News Disney removing plastic straws and more by mid-2019
- Thread starter KentB3
- Start date
Kman101
Well-Known Member
Bingo! You get it.
Yes, and the broader environmental push (outside WDW) to ban plastic straws is because straws that are not properly disposed harm wildlife (particularly marine wildlife)--the reason for the ban at DAK. Wildlife at WDW is not limited to DAK and its animal exhibits, though. Logically, then, if Disney were really motivated by environmental concerns, it would have extended the ban to all the parks long ago. Instead, it seems Disney is just jumping on a bandwagon to get positive P.R. while saving money.
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righttrack
Well-Known Member
Yeah this. It's pretty standard. It's not necessarily backed by science, but in such a big place with so many drinks, it may be a good thing from a waste management standpoint. When I say it's not backed by science, I'm saying that yes, ecologically, it is a lot of non-degradable waste, but as for harm to the animals, there are a lot worse things that aren't banned that probably should be. The worst offenders are six pack plastic and large bags (like ponchos) for example. Animals and especially sea life can get tangled up in those.
No one has talked about the refillable in room amenities yet. I'm hoping this means that I finally get a toilet bowl that refills with water after a flush like the fancy one I have at home.
First, no one is forcing anyone to use a straw and lid. If you do not want or need them, you can refuse them. In fact, why not forgo the cup as well and just have them squirt the beverage of your choice directly into your mouth?I’m still in shock over the amount of people who apparently can’t drink a beverage without a straw.
Had no idea that this was an epidemic plaguing America. We might need more occupational therapists?
However, there are people who legitimately need a cup with a lid and straw to drink. It is not all about avoiding a mess. Unfortunately, occupational therapy is not the answer, and mocking them will not change that. The lids and straws do not need to be made from plastic; alternatives exist that could be supplied in place of plastic but the alternatives are more expensive.
Also, before you respond with "people should not rely on Disney to supply straws and lids," it is nice to have one less thing to worry about bringing on your vacation. Hence, my comment about eliminating a convenience for guests. If that is really the case, though, and guests should be expected to look out for themselves, then why not have people bring their own plates, forks, napkins, etc., to eat at Disney's restaurants? Just because people expect any other dining place to supply these items, why should Disney? But I should not give them ideas. The fact that Disney apparently intends to sell re-usable straws should tell you where their actual mind set is.
King Panda 77
Thank you sir. You were an inspiration.
And what I take from this is that people who drink Minute Maid lemonade are able to cope without straws.
Chi84
Premium Member
Is it possible that even a good decision if made for the wrong reasons can be a wrong decision?
Lensman
Well-Known Member
If this were a democracy... here's an Ipsos/Buzzfeed poll on straws:
https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default...s_buzzfeed_news_straw_poll_topline_082418.pdf
It's remarkable how many questions they've asked. And even more so that they didn't ask any questions about businesses eliminating straws, only about businesses making straws "on request" or local governments banning straws. Anyway, there's strong bipartisan support for straws being optional and for biodegradable straws. And there's neither strong support nor strong opposition to local government bans on straws.
https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default...s_buzzfeed_news_straw_poll_topline_082418.pdf
It's remarkable how many questions they've asked. And even more so that they didn't ask any questions about businesses eliminating straws, only about businesses making straws "on request" or local governments banning straws. Anyway, there's strong bipartisan support for straws being optional and for biodegradable straws. And there's neither strong support nor strong opposition to local government bans on straws.
LSLS
Well-Known Member
I think it's more a good decision was made because it had an added good benefit. Making money is not a wrong reason. If what you are saying is true, then nearly all philanthropic activity would be eliminated in our country. It helps the environment, it helps Disney's bottom line. Accept the good.
Chi84
Premium Member
That was Governor Swann's advice to Elizabeth when she agreed to marry Commodore Norrington in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. I thought people would either recognize the line from the movie or just think it was a goofy post and ignore it.
King Panda 77
Thank you sir. You were an inspiration.
You need to think inside the bottle...
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
What amazes me more is that 1114 posts (including mine) on the idea that they will be replacing plastic straws with paper straws. Seriously, it is about freaking straws (sometimes referred to as sissy sippers.) How sad are we?
King Panda 77
Thank you sir. You were an inspiration.
I'm quite happy thanks. I can't talk for everyone else though.
21stamps
Well-Known Member
Exactly. No one says “omg soandso is evil for donating to a charity!”
FWIW, some zoos have actually lost money from beverage sales because of their conservation efforts.
Yet they still do it.
21stamps
Well-Known Member
I personally think this is one of the better subjects to post about, because it actually does make a difference in this world.
Better than constant whining over a restaurant being named after a character, or Frozen being the death of education.
STEVEO1982
Member
Only issue I have with paper straws is that once the kids get hold of them and they start chewing then it becomes a soggy mess and you need another just to finish the drink. Maybe someone could develop a bottle topper for fountain drink cups so that you can drink them like bottles and not worry about spilling the contents everywhere.
TJJohn12
Well-Known Member
I haven't jumped in to this convo yet - I'm typically on the "straws and lids need to be available for accessibility, they should be out and not need to be requested to respect personal privacy" end of the debate.
I'm surprised, though, that there's not more discussion of bioplastics or other biodegradable solutions other than paper. If the chief worry is downstream impacts, then a 6-month degrading solution that still operates exactly like the non-degradable solution seems like the way to go (outside of AK, that is). Seems like the ultimate happy medium, and would work for not just straws and lids, but cutlery, cups, champagne flutes at dessert parties, plates, etc.
I'm surprised, though, that there's not more discussion of bioplastics or other biodegradable solutions other than paper. If the chief worry is downstream impacts, then a 6-month degrading solution that still operates exactly like the non-degradable solution seems like the way to go (outside of AK, that is). Seems like the ultimate happy medium, and would work for not just straws and lids, but cutlery, cups, champagne flutes at dessert parties, plates, etc.