According to the National Parks Conservation Association, more than 500 million plastic straws are used worldwide each year, and many can take up to 100 years to break down. That long lifespan contributes to widespread pollution and endangers marine life, so the travel industry is increasingly changing its practices to reduce single-use plastics and protect coastal ecosystems.
Recently several major hospitality brands announced commitments to reduce or eliminate plastic straws. Breezes Resort & Spa in the Bahamas, Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara, and Panama Jack Resorts have publicly supported the #SkipTheStraw and #StopUsingStraws movements on social media. Those campaigns aim to draw attention to beach-cleanup efforts and encourage businesses and guests to adopt alternatives that keep plastic out of oceans and shorelines.
Smaller and boutique properties are also taking tangible steps. London’s One Aldwych has removed all plastic straws from its food and beverage outlets, including the Lobby Bar, Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar, Indigo, as well as private dining and room service. In place of disposable plastic, the hotel now offers reusable glass straws and bamboo picks for cocktails and garnishes.
Airlines that serve tropical and island destinations have begun phasing out plastic straws onboard as well. Thai Airways announced a policy to ban single-use plastic straws on flights, while still providing alternatives when medically necessary or for passengers—such as children, elderly travelers, or guests with disabilities—who require a straw to eat or drink comfortably. Fiji Airways is developing a similar program to reduce onboard plastic waste while maintaining passenger care.
These changes reflect a broader shift in travel and hospitality toward sustainability. Replacing plastic straws with reusable, compostable, or recyclable options is a practical, visible step that businesses can take immediately. It reduces the amount of plastic that enters marine environments and supports cleaner beaches for both wildlife and local communities.
Beyond straws, many hotels, resorts, and airlines are evaluating other single-use items—such as plastic stirrers, disposable cutlery, and toiletry bottles—to find eco-friendlier alternatives. Measures commonly adopted include offering refillable amenity dispensers, switching to bamboo or metal utensils, and encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens during their stays. These combined efforts help lower plastic waste, conserve resources, and demonstrate a commitment to responsible tourism.
For travelers who want to support these initiatives, simple actions make a difference: decline a plastic straw when it’s offered, carry a reusable straw or travel cutlery set, and choose accommodations and carriers that advertise sustainable practices. When guests and travel companies act together, it accelerates the industry’s move toward greener operations and helps protect coastlines, coral reefs, and the animals that depend on them.
Eliminating plastic straws is a small but meaningful step in reducing ocean plastic pollution. As more hotels, resorts, and airlines adopt alternatives and join campaigns like #SkipTheStraw, the cumulative impact can be substantial—helping preserve marine ecosystems for future generations while aligning travel with environmental responsibility.