Walt Disney to eliminate plastic straws with public backfire

Walt Disney decides to eliminate single-use plastic straws and stirrers on its premises around the globe.

The company will also reduce the number of plastic shopping bags in its theme parks, offering visitors the option to buy reusable bags.

Disney officials said in a news release that the policy is part of the company's "long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship."

"The ban amounts to a reduction of over 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers annually," the company said.

A representative for Disney confirmed that paper straws will be available upon request.

This comes as on social media there was a round of backlash against the ban. One Twitter user said, “How about eliminating ridiculous prices?”. Some others also pointed out the ban could create problems for people with disabilities who need to use straws.

The plastic straw ban is scheduled to take effect by mid-2019.

Walt Disney Company is the world's largest independent media conglomerate in California, the US.

MM/AG