Marriott Hotels to remove plastic straws from UK hotels

by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

Some good news from one of the big hotel chains. Maybe some other places could follow suit? Chance would be a fine thing, I know.

Marriott International says it is to stop the use of plastic straws at its UK properties, amid growing concern over the levels of plastic pollution.

The group said that it is removing plastic straws from over 60 of its UK hotels, including London properties Marriott County Hall London, Le Meridien Piccadilly, W London Leicester Square and Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel.

Teams “have been requested to begin removing plastic straws from circulation with immediate effect”.

Customers requesting straws going forward will be offered biodegradable or paper straws.

Commenting on the move Michel Miserez, area vice president, United Kingdom and Ireland, Marriott International, said: “Our UK hotels used 300,000 straws last year. By removing plastic straws from our hotels in the UK we are making a small but significant step in playing our part in reducing the volume of plastic that damages our environment and wildlife.

“Marriott International has a global responsibility and unique opportunity to be a force for good in all aspects of our business. We recognise that how we do business is as important as the business that we do. Incorporating environmental and social initiatives like this one into our business is the right thing to do.”

In October last year Marriott launched a new sustainability and social impact platform, designed to foster business growth while balancing the needs of associates, customers, owners, the environment and communities. More information can be found at http://serve360.marriott.com/.

© 2018