A&W Canada announced Friday that it plans to eliminate plastic straws at its all restaurants across Canada by the end of 2018 – making it the first fast-food chain of its type in North America to do so.
“Reducing waste from landfills is a top priority for A&W and this is one big way that we can make a difference,” Susan Senecal, A&W Canada’s president and CEO, said in a news release. “We are proud to make this change, which has been driven by the wishes of our guests, franchisees, and staff.”
A&W says it will provide guests paper straws which can last up to three hours in a drink without breaking down, but naturally biodegrade in three to six months. This switch will keep 82 million plastic straws out of landfills every year, according to the company.
The company made the announcement in Vancouver as part of World Oceans Day.
