STOP SUCKING! … AND SKIP THE STRAW! By Becky Aud

It sounds humorous, even odd, but drinking straws are actually a serious problem.  By 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish and other marine life.  Already, 71% of sea birds and 30% of sea turtles have some kind of plastic in their stomachs.  This ingested plastic increases the mortality rate by 50%.  These are astounding and depressing facts; however, there is something we can do deter this bleak future.  “Stop Sucking” and “Skip the Straw” are both campaigns taking action against plastic pollution – starting with the drinking straw.

Why start with the straw?  The United States alone consumes 500 million straws each day – most ending up in the oceans.  Once there, they pepper shore lines and travel the ocean currents as marine debris where they are mistaken for food by marine life.  Plastic straws have been found in the stomachs of fish, marine mammals and birds, or painfully jammed into the orifices of smaller marine life.  Furthermore, these straws gradually break down into microplastics that leach toxins into the water and blanket the seafloor.  Reducing the footprint of plastic straws is a very effective way to start improving the health of the world’s oceans.

I’m not saying you need to “suck” it up and never use a straw again.  There are many alternatives from which to choose…from durable and reusable straws to naturally biodegradable single use straws.

If you are looking for a straw that is durable and reusable, then metal, stainless steel, bamboo, glass or silicone straws are options.  Though these materials do not create all the same issues as plastic, keep in mind that some may present their own issues when it comes time to replace or discard them.

• Metal/Stainless Steel – these are nearly indestructible. They usually come in a set that includes a cleaning brush so you can easily ensure good sanitation.  You can purchase a set from STPS by following this link:    http://sea-turtle-preservation-society6.mybigcommerce.com/reusable-straws/

• Bamboo – bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth. It can grow anywhere from 3 – 5 feet per year making it one of the most sustainable materials available.

• Glass – these are great for those who prefer to “see through” the straw. They can be very pretty, but you will need to show caution as they are glass.  Additionally, glass is not usually allowed in pool areas or on beaches.

• Silicone – is a relatively safe material.  It is, however, a non-renewable, lab created substance.  Silicone is a friendlier option than plastic straws, but not as friendly as other options.

If you are looking for more fun and innovative single use straws, then paper, edible, pasta, straw and ice straws are sure to suit your fancy.  They are all biodegradable to boot!

• Paper – these are rigid enough not to totally break down in your drink; though some may get a little soggy. They are 100% compostable.

• Edible – made by Loli Straws, are actually edible, hyper compostable, marine degradable straws made from seaweed-based material. They are bright and cheerful, and even come in a variety of flavors.

• Pasta – yes, pasta! Pasta straws are made with flour and water, which makes them compostable.  They’re edible too, though I still prefer to eat mine cooked with sauce on top!

• Straw – Straw straws sounds redundant, but these drinking straws are actually hay, which is a grass that is grown, harvested and cut by hand. They keep their original color, structure and naturalness without chemicals and bleach.  They are also compostable.

• Ice – yes, ICE! Keep your beverage cold while you’re sipping.  Ice straw molds are made of silicone, which are filled with water and frozen.  The molds are available for retail sale and you can make as many as you would like from the comfort of your own home.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s all about the turtles, right?  Show your love for the sea turtles, our oceans and marine life by choosing an alternative.  Any way you go, stop sucking and skip the plastic straws!