On a daily basis, Americans use a total of 175 million straws. To put in comparison, that is almost enough to wrap around the globe. That is absolutely ridiculous. How are we able to do that everyday and not see the affects it is causing. People need to start finding alternative ways for sipping on drinks, because this is not the correct way. By simply not asking for a straw, you can prevent many casualties that happen to marine life caused by these straws.
A great alternative that I found has worked the best is metal straws. These are perfect for throwing in a backpack or even getting a portable one if you’re really fancy like that. Metal straws can be found in many supermarkets, eco-friendly stores, and most convenient of all online. Using plastic straws should not the normal and must move to a more environmentally friendly substitute.
The main issue with straws is their thin and bendy material allow for them to fall between the crevices of the recycling machines. This is why recycling companies do not accept plastic straws and end up with them being thrown into the ocean. Only 13 states have had legislative bans on single-use polystyrene. Through combining professional research and assistance, we can push for more bans on single-use plastics and work together to keep our oceans safe.
Information provided by: CALPIRG
Save Our Pacific 