Sheraton Maui Says No To Plastic Straws

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is saying no to single-use plastic straws in an effort to enhance environmentally sustainable practices and to protect Hawaii’s tropical marine ecosystem, including the endangered honu (green sea turtle).

The resort is the first in the Hawaiian Islands to completely eliminate single-use plastic straws in favour of a marine-friendly alternative.

According to Surfrider Foundation, approximately 500 million plastic drinking straws are used and discarded every day in the United States alone, and 175 billion straws are used in a year.

Surfrider Foundation also notes that marine life, including honu, can be harmed by ingesting plastic straws and other broken-down plastics that pollute the ocean and waterways. Lonely Whale Foundation asserts that an estimated 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs, and when they ingest plastic, marine life has a 50% mortality rate.

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is implementing paper straws as an environmentally conscious solution at its multiple dining establishments, luau, banquets and events.

(http://www.sheraton-maui.com)

(Photo courtesy of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa)