American Airlines has become the latest corporation to ax plastic straws in the name of environmentalism.
In a statement Tuesday, the world's largest carrier announced it will eliminate plastic straws and stir sticks from flights and lounges.
Instead, the airline will hand out straw-and-wood stir sticks and bamboo straws with drinks, and will begin transitioning to "all eco-friendly flatware" in its lounges.
The airline said the change will take place in airport lounges this month, and on planes later this year.
The company estimates the move will eliminate more than 71,000 pounds of plastic annually.
"We're very excited and proud to share this initiative with our team members and customers," Jill Surdek, vice president of flight service, said in the statement. "We're cognizant of our impact on the environment and we remain committed to doing our part to sustain the planet for future generations of travelers."
Earlier this week, Starbucks announced it would phase out plastic straws by 2020.
Seattle's plastic straw ban went into effect last Sunday for the city's 5,000 restaurants, reportedly making the Emerald City the first major U.S. city to ban the single-use straws in food service.
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