ORLANDO, Fla. — Red Lobster says it will no longer automatically give out plastic straws to customers.
The company said in a statement Tuesday that patrons will have to ask for a straw if they want one starting next month.
Red Lobster also said that by the end of 2020 it will start replacing plastic straws with an eco-friendly alternative.
The seafood-restaurant chain estimates that the change will eliminate 150 million plastic straws per year from its more than 700 restaurants.
Red Lobster says it is currently testing eco-friendly straw alternatives.
Red Lobster CEO Kim Lopdrup says the new policy is a meaningful step in the company’s commitment to preserving the world’s oceans and marine life.
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