Why plastic straws? Aren't there bigger fish to fry?
There definitely are! Food packaging, to-go cups, or the pollution the fashion industry causes, to just name a few off the top of my head. But while those issues receive a lot of attention—as they should—plastic straws go unnoticed.
If you follow my Insta-Stories, you know that I often pick up trash from the streets or on the beach. And guess what? Most of what I pick up are cigarette butts, to-go cups, and yes, also an insane amount of plastic straws 😡!
Yes, plastic straws are small compared to to-go cups. But we tend to underestimate the impact of the small bits and pieces. It is exactly the small items that end up clogging the stomachs or stuck in the throats and nostrils of (sea) birds and marine life. Scientists from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization estimate that nearly 90% of all sea birds are eating plastic and the rate is growing steadily💔!
You might even have seen this video that went viral a while back:
The ocean might seem too far away to have anything to do with us, unless we litter on a beach. Sadly, this is not the case. As long as a bit of plastic find its way to any body of water, it will ultimately end up in the ocean. (Read "How on earth does all the plastic end up in the ocean")
In the U.S. alone, 500 million plastic straws are used every day! Simply because we lack the awareness and education to know about the impact of it. Straws are handed out mindlessly left and right. It is crazy if you think about the fact that all you really need is one reusable straw per person per lifetime!
The good news: each and every single one of us can contribute to the solution😁💪🌍! Take the #StopSucking pledge today! Spread the word! Refuse plastic straws!
And always remember:
Rob Alberts says
I never use a straw.
Kind regards,
shia says
Good for you, Rob 🙂
Bren Murphy says
Great work Shia! There is so much work to do on this! I am coming from a business selling gift baskets for the last 10 years, and so much of it was wasteful and purely packaging for the sake of making an impact.
Once the recipient got the gift basket, they ate some of the stuff and then threw the rest in landfill. Can you believe I would ship fresh fruit 300kms across the country for a simple birthday gift?
Now I have changed my approach to business and with yoga and running and meditation, have come to zero waste and plastic free. It's a breath of fresh air for sure.
Keep up your awareness raising - it is truly inspirational!
Thank you
Bren