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

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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. View all posts by Julie Hancher