You might be used to sipping your iced coffee through a straw, but Starbucks is changing the coffee game by phasing out plastic straws in all of its locations around the world by 2020. What will replace the straw? Specially engineered recyclable lids, which allow for easy sipping — very similar to the traditional sippy-cup lid you probably used as a child. Straws made from alternative materials, such as paper and compostable plastic, will still be available upon request.
Photo: Starbucks
Starbucks Is Set to Replace Plastic Straws With Sippy Cups by 2020
The ban will eliminate close to a billion plastic straws per year. Nicholas Mallos, director of the Ocean Conservancy Trash Free Seas program, said in a statement, “Starbucks’ decision to phase out single-use plastic straws is a shining example of the important role that companies can play in stemming the tide of ocean plastic.”
If you were extremely attached to your straws and are taking this news hard, Starbucks has also announced the addition of two new cold beverages to its menu to ease the blow: the Salted Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew and an Iced Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte. Enjoy the straws while you still can this summer as the phasing out is set to begin this fall in Seattle and Vancouver, before expanding to other markets. 
H/T: Thrillist