A small straw’s big environmental impact

Have you ever ordered a drink at a restaurant and received a plastic straw? The Trash Free Seas Alliance estimates that the average American uses 1.6 straws per day. That alone is enough to circle the equator two and a half times in the United States.

Examples of single-use plastic products include straws, blenders, bags, and cups, which are convenient but can have a negative environmental impact on convenience if not recycled or disposed of properly. Many aquatic creatures mistake this and other plastic objects for food. Plastic has been found in approximately 90% of all seabird species and all sea turtle species. Within the next 10 years, there could be one pound of plastic in the ocean for every three kilograms of fish.

Beyond recycling and proper waste disposal, there are many things you can do to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. Avoiding plastic pollution can be achieved by eliminating the use of straw. Additionally, you can suggest that your local feedlot switch to paper or other non-plastic straws, or provide straws only upon request.

Imasmall strange the impact of everyone stopped using single-use plastics. Say no to straw and help change the future of our oceans.