Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is asking travelers to stop sucking. The airport started phasing out plastic straws at all terminal locations on September 16, as a part of its zero-waste goal.
The change will help prevent passengers and employees from using approximately 4 million plastic straws a year. DFW officials say the plan has been in motion for some time. The airport is encouraging food and drink vendors to offer naturally biodegradable or compostable straws as alternatives to customers.
The policy doesn’t extend to airlines. However, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines have already banned plastic straws on their flights.
Across the country, airports and airlines are taking action. Earlier this year, San Francisco International Airport banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. Alaska Airlines launched a #FillBeforeYouFly campaign in order to reduce the amount of single-use plastic water bottles and cups used in flight.
Remember, reusing your reusables over and over again is still the best solution to our waste problem. So, wherever your travels take you, remember to bring your reusables along—a tumbler, straw, and reusable bag can go a long way!