Straws, what are they? They are small tubular items that are used to drink out of various glassware, bottles, cups, and array of other drinking apparatuses. I will say the inventor of the modern day straw, Marvin Stone, probably did not realize the impact straws would have on the environment. As time progresses so did the manufacturing of the modern straws. They were no longer paper, but soon became…plastic.
The plastic straw has become more of an environmental epidemic. These are single use, disposable items. We literally use straws in practically every facet of our lives. I, being a germaphobe, preferred the idea of drinking out of a straw at a restaurant because I did not believe the glasses were ever clean enough. However, as I age, I realize no matter how much of a germaphobe I am, I cannot justify the use of the plastic straw anymore.
Straws are used EVERYWHERE! Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, Burger King, Paneras, hotels, gas stations, restaurants (big and small), small businesses, school events, movie theaters, theme parks, bars, and the list goes on! Can you imagine how many straws are used a day and thrown out!? According to National Park Services U.S. Department of the Interior, “Americans use 500 million drinking straws everyday.” This number does not even sound real. Now, realize that is just in America. That does not even include the rest of the world!
STRAW PROBLEM:
The problem with straws is that they are not biodegradable. They are a single use disposable item that litter the earth. They do not decompose in a timely manner. These items are polluting our planet at an alarming rate. Most recycling plants cannot process straws because they are too small for their machines.
Human Problem:
Not all home recycling areas actually collect straws. If you do throw your straws in, guess what? You could be contaminating all of your recyclable materials!
Also, as Earth911 so eloquently put it, “Straws are small and lightweight, meaning they will take up a negligible amount of space in a landfill. Many people use this thinking to justify using and throwing them away, but the waste will definitely add up.” This is the sad, sad truth. We are responsible! I know we are all guilty of this, but the issue is not just one person is being negligent. It is an entire population of humans, assuming others are doing the “right thing” so, they justify their bad behavior and still continue to toss out their non-disposable straws.
Wildlife Problems:
Straws are one of the most common items found on beaches, oceans, rivers, forests, springs, roads, gutters …need I say more? Straws are apart of the degradation of our planet.
Most importantly, they are harming innocent wildlife. These creatures have no control over what we do to the planet. They are the innocent bystanders, suffering irreparable harm. Straws are one of the most common items found lodged in the nostrils of turtles. When they are removed you can see blood coming from these animals. This impairs their breathing and ability to survive. See the video below from Plastic Pollution Coalition.
Solution:
Say NO to straws. Do not use straws when you are out in public. I no longer use straws at restaurants. I, Lizzie, the germaphobe, drink out of glasses. (Side note, I try to avoid eating out as well…that is a bigger and different problem for the planet).
While at sporting events, bars, hotels, wherever, I try and bring my own bottle or reusable bottle. If those are not allowed, then I bring with me reusable straws!!! There is an awesome new straw that was on Kickstarter known as FinalStraw and it is a collapsable straw that fits on your keychain!! The game has changed. Now, it is your turn to make a difference in the planet.
Everyone should make the pledge!! Go to www.onelessstraw.organd sign the pledge!! Today I did!! (Actually I did April 19th, 2018.) Aluminum straws are a great alternative to plastic straws. Plastic straws end up all over the environment. They are difficult to recycle and majority wind up in landfills or the oceans. They are extremely harmful to wildlife. Please take the time to boycott companies that use straws, say no to straws at restaurants, buy reusable straws!!
#onelessstraw #1lessstraw#bethechange #saveourplanet #freedomandpreservationofthewild #saynotosraws
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