One of many to make similar announcements, InterContinental Hotels Group announced last week it plans to remove all plastic straws from properties worldwide by the end of 2019. Plastic straws already disappeared from its nearly 1,000 hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Additionally, to reduce toiletry waste, the group plans to implement bulk-sized bathroom amenities across several of its brands.

“IHG is in almost 100 countries and we touch the lives of millions of people each day. This gives us a responsibility to protect the environment and an opportunity to make a real difference. There is always more we can do to minimize waste, but the work we’re doing to reduce single-use plastic is a powerful example of how we can come together with guests, owners and colleagues to drive positive change,” said Keith Barr, CEO, IHG.

The decision to remove plastic straws globally eliminates an average 50 million single-use plastic straws each year, enough straws to reach from New York to Tokyo. Biodegradable alternatives are available.

Bulk-sized amenities already appear in EVEN Hotels, avid hotels and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. The amenities now appear in Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, as well.