*By Justin Chermol*
Starbucks announced plans on Monday to elimate the use of plastic straws by 2020, making it the largest company yet to undertake the green initiative.
The coffee chain will transition to new lids which feature a raised lip to drink from, a design already being used for some of the company’s cold brew drinks. The new lids will begin rolling out this fall in Canada as well as in Starbucks’ home city of Seattle. For those customers who insist on straws, the company will offer eco-friendly versions made of paper or compostable plastic.
Starbucks stated this policy will cut the number of plastic straws used by one billion per year -- the proliferation of them has contributed to devastating ocean pollution and threatens marine life.
Local governments across the United States initially spearheaded the plastic-strawless movement. Just last week Seattle banned both plastic straws and utensils. Some of America’s largest cities like New York and San Francisco have proposed plans to remove plastic straws as well.
Melissa Armo, founder and owner of The Stock Swoosh, joined Cheddar News to discuss Wednesday's session as stocks closed down amid concerns over a banking crisis and ahead of next week's Fed meeting.
Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia, joined Cheddar News to explain the risks in the banking sector after the recent turmoil with Silicon Valley Bank and the news that Credit Suisse's biggest backer said it wouldn't provide further financial help.
T-Mobile has entered into an agreement to acquire the parent company of Mint Mobile, a direct-to-consumer prepaid wireless company partially owned by actor Ryan Reynolds.
Mortgage applications jumped 6.5 percent from a week ago, according to a weekly survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), even as they remain well below their pace a year ago.
