WHY SHOULD YOU SKIP THE STRAW THIS FEBRUARY?

WHAT IS SKIP THE STRAW DAY?

The fourth Friday of February is Skip the Straw Day. Thought up by a group of middle school students, the day was proposed in 2017. The concept is simple. Instead of using a disposable plastic straw, use an alternative. Or you can go straw-less and skip the straw!

Estimates suggest that 4% of ocean plastic is composed of disposable straws.

HISTORY OF THE STRAW

Since then, straws have gone through a number of innovations. Bendy straws came about in the late 1930s after inventor Joseph B. Friedman watched his frustrated daughter trying to drink a milkshake with a straw.

Paper straws remained the most popular option until the late 1960s, when it became widely known that disposable plastic straws were easier to use. Though phased out by the early 1970s, paper straws have been making a comeback in recent years, due to their better perceived impact on the environment.

STATISTICS ON STRAWS

If that’s tough to swallow, don’t worry. It’s easy to do better!

ALTERNATIVES TO DISPOSABLE PLASTIC STRAWS

If you’re looking for an alternative to disposable plastic straws, there are several options to consider.

Another choice is to change the straws you use. Instead of disposable plastic straws, you might try paper straws. Many feel they are a better choice than plastic, since paper breaks down.