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Tucson businesses among companies banning straws

Tucson businesses going 'straw less'

By: Jennifer Martinez

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As many companies continue to ban the use of straws - many in Tucson are following in their footsteps.

The straw ban movement began after where researchers are seen pulling a straw out of a sea turtles nose on a 2015 viral video.

First it was Starbucks dropping plastic straws and then hotel giant, the Marriott followed.

Iconic Hotel Congress in Downtown Tucson says they have done away with straws. In fact, they only give a plastic straw upon request.

"A lot of that (plastic straws) does end up in the ocean, unfortunately and that was the motivation we needed to stop serving straws," said Rita Boutwell, Director of Training and Development for Hotel Congress.

While Congress receives a mix of negative and positive feedback from guests. Some guests are understanding while others mistake it for bad service.

Signs at @hotelcongress ... they stopped serving straws in 2016. They do use them for SOME specialty drinks like a Bloody Mary ...
Other businesses in Tucson are following the same movement. Story at 5 on @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/DED1pGS8qv
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) July 18, 2018

Other businesses like Food Conspiracy Co-op on Fourth Avenue say they're transitioning to a more sustainable straw product in the coming months.

"Once our back stock is out we will move over to a removable paper straw and some other type of straws. Every bit that everyone can make is one less straw," says Waters.

Saying 'no' to plastic straws is helps fight pollution.

The @Marriott is the latest company to ban the use the of straws. The news comes after @Starbucks announced they would drop straws.
We want to know - How do you feel about the straws being dropped?
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) July 18, 2018