Starbucks introduced a new lid that will reduce consumption of 1 billion straws a year

Starbucks will eliminate its green plastic straws altogether by 2020.

The company instead USES what it calls a pipe-free lid, or straw made from plastic alternative materials.

Starbucks corp. unveiled a new polypropylene lid with a raised opening that will serve as a replacement for most cold drinks

As opposition to the use of plastic straws grew, starbucks said it would introduce a glass with a teardrop-shaped opening as an alternative.

As the largest food and beverage retailer, starbucks said it would stop using plastic straws. The company expects to reduce consumption of one billion plastic straws a year.

"" this is an important milestone," "said starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson. This will enable our global concept of sustainable coffee to serve our customers in a more sustainable way."

Starbucks' announcement comes amid a recent ban on plastic straws in Seattle.

The decision was endorsed by the world wildlife fund and the Marine conservation society.

Starbucks says it's good for the environment to use a new plastic lid instead of a plastic straw.

The company says recycling plastic straws is impractical, and the new lid, made of polypropylene, is easier for recyclers to process.