Before we lived in Maui, we were unaware of what ocean pollution really looked like. I always just thought smog was a big sign of pollution. After living by the ocean and by taking part in beach cleanups, we realized what the real problem was…
PLASTIC.
We’ve tried to do a no plastic challenge while we’ve been traveling but I have to admit, it is tough!!! We couldn’t drink tap water in Nicaragua and Peru, so we had to buy large plastic water bottles to fill our metal ones. By not having easy access to food, we had to rely on packaged snacks for food. Ever
We are very aware of the problem and the reliance there is in our everyday life on plastics. If Brock and I, who are pretty environmentally conscious, can’t get rid of plastics entirely, how can we expect everyone else to? We understand how easy using plastic packaged items can be and how convenient they are. So if you guys want to be extra challenged, try to eliminate single-use plastics. We know this may be challenging for most so….let’s start with a small item that can create a HUGE impact…
STRAWS!!!
Here is a challenge for you. At the end of the week, count how many straws you use. Do you get coffee everyday? Do you get fast food for lunch? Do you go out for drinks after work?
In each of those scenarios, there is most likely a straw involved.
Did you know that in the US alone, 500 million plastic straws are used PER DAY!?
When that single-use item gets thrown in the trash, it takes 200 years for one straw to decompose, because straws can’t be recycled in most places! They are also the 8th most found type of trash in the ocean.
How can a tiny straw create such an impact on the huge oceans?
Marine life has bigger problems to worry about. Not only are they trying to survive in their natural environment every day, they now have to worry about these unnatural items being thrown in the ocean.
So! What can you do to help?
From Hawaii to Central and South America, we’ve seen the different alternatives to plastic straws.
It makes me so happy to see these little changes because the reality is, they make a HUGE difference.
So far we’ve seen glass, bamboo, paper, steel, biodegradable plant-based and even straws made from avocado.
So before you order your next drink, think to yourself, is this straw something I really need? If you really want a straw, perhaps look into other alternatives.
If you do a quick online search, there are tons of options for reusable or biodegradable straws. The good thing is that they are portable if you need one for your drinks at work or in restaurants. I understand it could look like of funny pulling a straw out of your purse, but it’s a great conversation piece and can allow you to now teach someone else about why eliminating plastic straws is beneficial to the environment.
If you don’t want to carry it around when you go out, consider asking the waiter for no straw. That’s usually what we do when we order drinks.
The fact is, straws are a huge problem. What will you do to do your part?
I really enjoyed reading your article. As an American I really don’t know how much of a negative environmental impact I create. I also think as Americans we think to ourselves that our one straw won’t hurt the environment but I’m glad you pointed out how many other millions of Americans think the same thing on a daily basis.