Alaska Airlines says 'so long' to non-recyclable plastic stir straws

Alaska Airlines passengers will soon notice something different when they order in-flight cocktails or coffees: those plastic stirring sticks? They’re about to go the way of paper tickets and empty middle seats. Alaska Airlines will phase out plastic stirring sticks in favor of compostable versions made of white birch. Citrus picks will switch from plastic to bamboo. It’s all in the name of the environment, swapping out the singe-use plastic sticks for a more sustainable option. The changes begin July 16, when Alaska starts phasing out the plastic items from its flights and frequent-flier lounges. Though some global airlines have pledged to gradually reduce the use of such items, Alaska Airlines says its move will make it the first in the US to eliminate them altogether.<br/>