Royal Caribbean is banning plastic straws and other items

Royal Caribbean will be hitting the waves — and leaving plastic straws behind. The cruise line has pledged to eliminate plastic straws by the end of 2018. The line will ask guests to use paper straws instead of plastic, according to its Save the Waves program.

“Healthy oceans are vital to the success of our company. For over 25 years, our Save the Waves program has guided us to reduce, reuse, and recycle everything we can,” Royal Car-ibbean CEO Richard Fain said. The line previously promised the plastic ban, but it was unclear when the program would take effect.

The cruise line’s move is in keeping with a larger movement. Environmentalists have targeted plastic straws because they not only foul beaches and waterways, but they are largely unnecessary. People can sip without them. The cruise line also plans to remove other plastic items, such as bags, cups and condiment packets, at the start of 2019. Officials plan to complete the plastic audit by 2020.

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SOURCE USA Today