Plastic straws are really bad for the ocean. We use approximately 500 million straws every year in the US.
And most of them end up in our oceans through being left on the beach, littered, or blown out of trash cans, boats, and vehicles.
Why target plastic straws?
Because most of them are too lightweight to make it through mechanical recycling sorters. Dropping through sorting screens, they mix with other materials and are too small to separate and contaminate recycling loads.
I get it, some people need to use straws.
Anyone who has experienced a stroke, has autism, MS, or other physical issues often needs plastic straws because they tend to work best.
Using compostable plastic straws can be an excellent alternative. But, they can cause the same problems if you they’re not disposed of correctly, because they’ve been designed to break down in compost facility conditions, not sea water.
I suggest only using them if you have no other options, and support the switch to paper straws.
You can see more options by visiting and supporting StrawlessOcean.
I encourage you to make a personal commitment and politely say “no” to plastic straws whenever you order a drink. And encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Use your own paper, glass, bamboo, or stainless steel straw instead.
You’ve got more power than you think.
Want to take your impact even further?
Reach out to local businesses and encourage them to offer non-plastic straw options. If you’re embarrassed or don’t think it’ll work, take inspiration from this story.