A piece of the heartland makes its appearance in Washington, D.C.

Visitors to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this summer can quench their thirst with a refreshing and unique innovation--lemonade served in drinking cups made from 100 percent American corn. Created from a revolutionary material called NatureWorks[TM] PLA, the new drinking cups will be available at the various food kiosks throughout the Mall. The special cups will be available all summer, including the Capitol's annual Fourth of July celebration. "People come to the National Mall to celebrate America's heritage," said Ron Hallagan, vice president of operations, Guest Services Inc., the company that manages concessions at the National Mall. "Guest Services is proactive in its efforts to protect the environment, and this cup is a welcome addition to our company's environmental management program. What better way to enjoy America's favorite summer drink than in a cup that comes from one of our land's most abundant resources--corn!" Although the cups look identical to traditional plastic cups, NatureWorks PLA uses corn as a raw material instead of relying on petroleum. "Like regular plasticware, NatureWorks PLA is sturdy and strong and just as convenient to use," said Lisa Owen, global business leader, rigid packaging, for Cargill Dow, the manufacturer of NatureWorks PLA. "But with NatureWorks PLA, consumers can take pride in using a product made from a domestic raw material that can be regrown every year."