Starbucks, Ottawa companies give up plastic straws

While Starbucks announced Monday its plans to end the use of straws, two Ottawa companies are far ahead to bid farewell to small plastic pipes, which environmentalists say are damaging the oceans .

Happy Goat Coffee Company and Thyme & Again Creative Catering decided to abandon their plastic straws in order to turn on their plastic waste

"It's just a convenience, they see it, they use it, "said Henry Assad, the owner of Happy Goat Coffee

" We have to go through tough times [of] by telling people we do not wear it. "

At Happy Goat Coffee, straws are only available for those who need them, including young children and people with disabilities, said Assad.

Even these straws, he said, will soon be replaced by paper versions.

Starbucks joins the movement

Starbucks is the latest company chain promising to give up plastic straws, because of the environmental threat to the oceans. He joins with other companies such as A & W, Ikea Canada and the group that owns Swiss Chalet and Harvey & # 39; s.

In two years, the coffee chain says that it will only use straws made from biodegradable materials like paper. He also plans to serve more of his drinks in cups with specially designed lids, which do not need straws.

Starbucks is the largest One of the largest food and beverage companies to join the movement.

"It is very important not only for companies and societies, but also for the public things," said Assad.

"We should all be a little more aware of our environment, our environment .. there is no reason for us to use these things. "

" We just said no "

Thyme & Again Creative Catering has been rid of plastic straws near Ten years after the landowner became concerned about soil and ocean pollution.

Three years ago, Shelia Whyte, the owner of the cafe, said that

"Damage caused to the environment are unimaginable, "she said." We advanced very early and we just said "no". "