Chicago White Sox to no longer offer plastic straws

The Chicago White Sox announced Thursday that the organization would become the first MLB team to no longer provide plastic straws with drinks sold at their stadium in an effort to reduce plastic waste.

The team said that it was partnering with Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium to “reduce single-use plastic straws for the season.”

The new policy will go into effect on Earth Day. Those who want a straw for their drink will be given a biodegradable straw instead.

{mosads}

The #WhiteSox are teaming with @shedd_aquarium to become the first @MLB team and first Chicago sports team to reduce single-use plastic straws for the season! #SheddTheStraw pic.twitter.com/xy3tpigB6E

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 19, 2018

Beginning Earth Day on 4/22, drinks at all locations throughout Guaranteed Rate Field – including concessions, premium seating areas as well as ChiSox Bar & Grill – will not be automatically served with plastic straws. Guests will be provided biodegradable straws upon request.

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 19, 2018

The team is the first MLB organization and first Chicago sports team to implement such a policy.

The Shedd Aquarium has been leading a “Shedd the Straw” campaign ahead of Earth Day on Sunday, encouraging Chicago residents to stop using single-use plastic straws. 

“As an advocate for wildlife, Shedd Aquarium has declared that Earth Day is the last straw for single-use plastics that threaten water health and environmental quality,” the aquarium said in a statement.

The aquarium quickly congratulated the White Sox on the new policy.

We’re thrilled to share that the @WhiteSox have stepped up to #SheddtheStraw for #EarthDay…and for the rest of the season! Let’s root for the home team as they cut down on single-use plastics. Get tickets with a #SheddTheStraw discount at https://t.co/Rf01ZTance pic.twitter.com/mJz4WLPMBv

— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) April 19, 2018

Banning plastic straws has recently grown in popularity. The United Kingdom announced this week that it would become the first country to ban plastic straws, and U.S. cities like Seattle have also implemented similar bans.