Categories: Quick Tips

Friday Quickie: Just. Say. No. (to Straws)

Did you know that Americans use an estimated 500 million straws every DAY? That would fill 46,400 large school buses (just of straws, sans kids) each year. Crazy, right?

Plastic straws are used for 5 minutes (or an hour max) and although some are recyclable (as typically #5 plastic), most people don’t. Plus, people typically use straws in restaurants and you don’t know what happens to those straws behind closed doors. (Hint: trash?) You know what they say, a second on the lips, forever on the landfill. (Or, something like that. right?!?)

Next time you’re dining out, forego the straw. Politely ask your server to get your drink sans straw (and perhaps your fellow diners will follow suite!)

Can’t live without a beloved straw? BYO! There’s glass & stainless steel varieties (and starting at 2 bucks on Amazon)!

Oh, and take this 9 year old’s Straw-free pledge while you’re at it.

 

Photo: Indian Public Media

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Share
Published by
Julie Hancher

Recent Posts

Utility rate opposition, “Alleygators,” EV chargers, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Governor “vocally and forcefully” opposes utility rate increases.…

5 days ago

Phila. developer seeks to build data center campus in Upper Merion Township

A Philadelphia developer is proposing to build a cluster of data centers in Upper Merion Township, adding…

6 days ago

Rideshare tax, failing air quality, native plant kits, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Bill to amend city code to curb illegal…

2 weeks ago

From ‘Go Birds’ to LEED Platinum: Inside the Eagles’ sustainability playbook

A behind-the-scenes look at the Linc’s solar power, recycling systems, and surprising sustainability wins “Go…

2 weeks ago

New plant discovered in NJ, 56 years of Earth Day & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. Researchers at Temple University have found a rare…

3 weeks ago

For P.O.C., environmental justice isn’t just about climate. It’s about survival.

Through EcoWURD, Tamara P.O.C. Russell is reshaping how Philly talks about climate and community Tamara…

3 weeks ago