Plastic straws are a huge environmental concern and many companies and cities are taking action. The straws look like a tasty treat to birds and marine life, and when consumed it could be fatal. This is one of Alaska Airlines biggest concerns. They are replacing the plastic straws with compost-able straws that are made with white birch. Alaska Airlines is the first American airline to replace plastic straws. They have also partnered up with the Lonely Whale, an environmental group, to further their efforts in helping wildlife and the environment in general.
Alaska Airlines is not the only entity that has taken action. The cities of Vancouver, San Francisco, and Manhattan Beach have all vowed to get rid of straws or have already done so. The next time you are going to buy straws, try to help your environment out by buying compost-able or recyclable ones.