*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.
Transit technology company Via raised $110 million in a new round of financing. Clara Fain, chief financial officer of Via, joined Cheddar News to discuss the company's mission to digitize public transit globally.
Over 100,000 job cuts were announced across major industries in January, according to a report. Jon Bell, an employment attorney with Bell Law Group, joined Cheddar News to discuss unemployment benefits and severance packages.
Karen Robbins, senior vice president with UBS Wealth Management, joined Cheddar News to discuss Friday's mixed session as officials hinted at more interest rate hikes.
The Week's Top Stories is a guided tour through the biggest market stories of the week, from winning stocks to brutal dips to the facts and forecasts generating buzz on Wall Street.
A new study predicts that rising energy costs that have followed in the wake of Russia's war with Ukraine could push millions of people around the globe into extreme poverty.
In celebration of Black History Month, Cheddar News correspondent Shannon LaNier visited Black-owned Montclair Brewery in New Jersey for a behind-the-scenes look at how beer is made.
