TEXAS – A Texas-sized battle is brewing over Whataburger's signature orange and white cups. Those cups are under siege by environmentalists.
Wildlife Over Waste is the name of the new campaign from Environment America, and the message from the Austin-based group Environment Texas. Their goal is to eradicate the use of Styrofoam cups as plastic pollution is killing wildlife worldwide.
The nonprofit has been working hard to get the attention of the state's most popular hamburger joint. Through protest, Environment Texas did get the attention of Whataburger.
The fast-food chain told Spectrum News it is looking at alternatives to better serve customers and the environment.
"[Whataburger] said that they're testing out different materials for their cups,” said David Howk with Environment Texas.
While recyclable, polystyrene is not biodegradable, according to researchers. Styrofoam is the trademarked brand of polystyrene.
Whataburger asks all customers to please recycle or properly dispose of their waste.