STARBUCKS DITCHING STRAWS-PLASTIC

SEATTLE : Starbucks will eliminate plastic straws from all its locations within two years, citing the  environmental threat to oceans.

The coffee chain becomes the largest food and beverage company to do so as calls to cut waste globally grow louder.

A weeks after its hometown of Seattle banned plastic drinking straws and utensils, Starbucks said on Monday that by 2020, it will be using straws made from biodegradable materials like  paper and specially designed lids.

The company already offers alternative straws in Seattle.

Other cities, like Fort Myers Beach in Florida, have banned plastic straws. Similar proposals are being considered in places like New York and San Francisco. [AP]