The ban coincides with Earth Day, which takes place on Saturday 22nd April, and is the idea of CEO of Oakman Inns, Peter Borg-Neal. As founder of the pub group 12 years ago, Peter’s vision was to create a successful business built on the ethics of sustainability, promoting ideas that would contribute to the local community and not exploit it.
The company has received a number of awards for sustainability over the years, and the team at Oakman Inns has broadened its approach to help achieve more. The company also rated highly with The Sustainable Restaurant Association with regards to recycling and their green policies towards plastic and glass, but the number of plastic drinking straws was a matter for concern.
Voicing his concern, Peter explains:
“It sounds ridiculous, but it is entirely accurate to say, that every plastic straw that was ever made, still exists today. At Oakman we try to live by our values every day, and we hope that these values and our commitment to sustainability means that everyone here is contributing to a better future for us all.”
Visitors to the pub may see leaflets describing the new policy, and any customer that requests a straw will be offered an alternative, eco-friendly one.