MGM Resorts International’s Latest Edition Is Plastic Straw Elimination


07/27/2018

The customer’s response on pilot project prompts MGM Resorts International to stop automatic service of plastic straws.


Dailycsr.com – 27 July 2018 – MGM Resorts International reported that in its restaurants that are operated in the U.S. only “upon request” that “single-use plastic straws” will be made available. MGM Resorts form part of the “top five largest non-chain restaurant operators in the world”, whereby the restaurant chain along with its employees are well aware of their responsibility of taking care of the planet we live in by reducing its “environmental footprint”.
 
In the words of the senior vice-president as well as the C.E.O of MGM Resorts International, Cindy Ortega:
“MGM is one of the largest multi-concept restaurant operators in the world. As such, it is our responsibility to do our part to help eliminate debris from landfills and waterways. The elimination of plastic straws is the latest addition to MGM’s comprehensive environmental responsibility program and can further enhance our efforts to protect our planet.”
 
In the U.S. straws are commonly found as litter while single-use plastic ones land up in the sea which causing severe damage to the wildlife. On an annual basis as much as 8 million metric tons of plastic reaches the oceans, while in 2017, the plastic straws were at the 11th number in the list of the “most found ocean trash” items.
 
According to MGM Resorts International, it “owns 19 resorts across the U.S. including three on major waterways—The Borgata, N.J.; National Harbor, M.D. and Beau Rivage, M.S.” Moreover, the company thinks that with a collective approach towards “reducing plastic straw use” can it create a positive environmental impact. Whether plastic “stir straws” or straws for drinking, both these items have been chucked out of the “casino floors, buffets, cafes, bars and lounges as well as dining outlets”. However, they can be served upon the request from the customers.
 
Furthermore, the “Vice President Food and Beverage Strategy” at MGM Resorts International, Timothy Ryan added:
“We began the pilot program here in Las Vegas in the beginning of May at ARIA and Mandalay Bay. The response from customers has been so positive we have decided to quickly train our employees at all our U.S. resorts to stop automatically serving single use straws.”
 
 
 
References:
3blmedia.com