While July is designated as a plastic-free month, reducing plastic use can be a year-round effort. It’s time to encourage people to be more aware of their plastic use, and ultimately create a cleaner world for generations to come. We have so much to celebrate this month as companies take a step towards saying no to plastic and say goodbye to the plastic straw.
**Update since publication:
Since publication, I’ve read many articles about how a plastic straw ban is impacting those with disabilities. I admit this is not something that was initially on my radar when I was congratulating the companies (see below) who are removing plastic straws from their stores.
Many with disabilities rely upon plastic straws when visiting a restaurant and a ban could make restaurants less accessible. One suggestion was an opt-in rather than a complete ban. This could be a good compromise. This would mean plastic straws would be available only for those who need them and ask rather than handing out a plastic straw with every drink. Since plastic straw pollution is one controllable symptom of a much larger plastics pollution problem, an opt-in system is a step in the right direction.**
Time to reduce the number of plastic straws
In the United States, we use 500 million straws a day. We could take those straws and wrap them around the circumference of the earth 2.5 times or use them to fill Yankee Stadium over 9 times. Saying no to plastic straws is a simple way to make a big impact on the health of the earth.
Now big companies are stepping up to the plate and saying no to the plastic straw
One company taking a stance is Starbucks, who committed to eliminating plastic straws from its 28,000 stores worldwide by 2020. They now offer only cold beverages in cups with strawless lids, the”adult sippy cup”, in all stores throughout the US and Canada.
McDonald’s announced it would replace plastic straws with paper ones at its 1,300 restaurants in the U.K., where plastic straws and stirrers will be banned beginning next year, and in Ireland. Marriott International
Starting in September, Hyatt Hotel visitors will have to request single-use plastic straws and stirrers rather and eco-friendly alternatives will be provided where available.
Royal Caribbean eliminated plastic straws from all of its ships in 2019. SeaWorld also committed to removing plastic straws and plastic bags from their theme parks. The Swedish retailer, Ikea, met its goal of removing all single-use plastic products from their home furnishings, restaurants and bistros
American Airlines the world’s largest air carrier, has joined Starbucks and Hyatt and announced that it will eliminate plastic straws and stir sticks from its flights and lounges.
A few major companies abroad such as McDonald’s and Marriott International are ahead of their U.S. counterparts when it comes to eliminating the plastic straw. McDonald’s said it would switch to paper straws in the United Kingdom and Ireland by next year and Marriott has eliminated plastic straws from their U.K. hotels. They have yet to make the switch in the U.S.
This is a step in the right direction!
If you’re not ready to give up plastic straws here are a few reusable alternatives
Stainless Steel Straw Set
This Stainless Steel Straw Set comes with 3 straight straws and 3 bent straws for smaller tumblers and 3 straight straws and 3 bent straws for taller glasses along with two brushes and a storage pouch.
Buy on Amazon Primeeligible
I’ve been a glass straw fan for many years. This set of 6 straight and 6 bent straws with 4 cleaning brushes is perfect for smoothies, juice and water and they are dishwasher safe.
Buy on Amazon Primeeligible
If you’re looking for short, thin, bent stainless steel straws for cocktail glasses, kids, small Cups, or half pint Mason jars
Do you have a favorite reusable straw?
