Skip the Straws!

Every year, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste finds its way into the ocean.  You can find it on the beach, at your favorite picnic spot, and blowing around a parking lot.  Much of it is single-use, disposable items, like grocery bags, water bottles, and plastic straws.  Yes, straws.  While plastics and disposable items have revolutionized our lives, they have had a significant negative impact on our environment and can be deadly to wildlife.  Animals eat plastic by mistake, which clogs their digestive tracts and poisons them with chemicals. 
     
While California has banned disposable grocery bags, many cities are stepping up with plans to ban plastic straws too.  You have probably used hundreds, or even thousands, of plastic straws in your life time already.  They really add up!  Try skipping the straw when you go out to eat.  Alternatives to traditional plastic straws include paper straws, compostable straws, or even stainless steel straws. Your favorite beverage serving location probably sells washable and reusable hot and cold beverage cups (with washable straws!) that they would be happy to use when serving your drink.   

Nest made with plastic bailing twine For more information, check out:  http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/plastic-straws-ocean-trash-environment/