Plastic Straws
Plastic Straws
I thought I would start with a classic... plastic straws. Everyone knows they aren't good for the environment and everyone promises they're not going to use them anymore; but how, and why, should we stick to this promise?
The Situation
Estimating something as specific as how many plastic straws are in the ocean is pretty difficult, hence why scientists estimates are so varied. What they can agree on is that it is a lot. More than 8. Yup, as it turns out there could be more than 8 billion. 8 billion. While this only accounts for a small amount of the total plastic in the ocean, it isn't stopping huge corporations and even entire cities (bravo Seattle, bravo) from banning the straw in all its plastic entirety.
Here's why they are such a problem:
The Science
As you probably know, plastic doesn't biodegrade. This means it doesn't decompose in a natural way via bacteria and other small, seemingly insignificant (but not) organisms. Instead, it remains wherever it is dumped. Although usually on land, wind, rain and other flows generally bring it to, you guessed it, the sea.
Once in the sea, straws are ingested by wildlife such as birds and fish. The often brightly coloured objects are mistaken for food and eaten. Consequently, the animal can suffocate or, choke.
A third grisly outcome of plastic ingestion involves he stomach of the animal being tricked into thinking it is full. It is unaware that little of its contents offers any nutritional value. In short, the animal stops eating and starves. Not a pleasant way to go.
The Solutions
Well it should be pretty obvious by now that I'm encouraging you to ditch the plastic straws. But instead of just spouting about what not to do, brace yourself, I'm about to offer some solutions...
Go paper
Paper straws have the benefit of being inexpensive and biodegradable. Companies such as McDonalds are already making the switch. However, they are known for dissolving into a mushy mess when coming into contact with liquid. Slightly problematic considering their main function is to transport... liquid.
Metal?
Ahhh the metal straw, slightly more of an investment but sure to withstand beverages of any temperature and consistency. Its reusable nature makes it much more environmentally friendly and the only let down is the need to carry it with you.
More?!
Straws also come in bamboo and glass for the more exotic among us. Although the benefits are the akin to the metal alternative, surely you just feel fancy drinking from a glass one.
To further reduce your impact on the environment, request no straw when you order a drink. Even encourage your local cafes and restaurants to try an alternative.
If after reading this you still aren't convinced, ask yourself, is my need to suck liquid through a small non-biodegradable tube, greater than the needs of an ocean that powers the planet?
P.S
Although that was rhetorical, the intended answer was no...
The Social
Tell your friends about us.
Follow us on insta @the__greentea
(that's two underscores by the way)
I thought I would start with a classic... plastic straws. Everyone knows they aren't good for the environment and everyone promises they're not going to use them anymore; but how, and why, should we stick to this promise?
The Situation
Estimating something as specific as how many plastic straws are in the ocean is pretty difficult, hence why scientists estimates are so varied. What they can agree on is that it is a lot. More than 8. Yup, as it turns out there could be more than 8 billion. 8 billion. While this only accounts for a small amount of the total plastic in the ocean, it isn't stopping huge corporations and even entire cities (bravo Seattle, bravo) from banning the straw in all its plastic entirety.
Here's why they are such a problem:
The Science
As you probably know, plastic doesn't biodegrade. This means it doesn't decompose in a natural way via bacteria and other small, seemingly insignificant (but not) organisms. Instead, it remains wherever it is dumped. Although usually on land, wind, rain and other flows generally bring it to, you guessed it, the sea.
Once in the sea, straws are ingested by wildlife such as birds and fish. The often brightly coloured objects are mistaken for food and eaten. Consequently, the animal can suffocate or, choke.
A third grisly outcome of plastic ingestion involves he stomach of the animal being tricked into thinking it is full. It is unaware that little of its contents offers any nutritional value. In short, the animal stops eating and starves. Not a pleasant way to go.
The Solutions
Well it should be pretty obvious by now that I'm encouraging you to ditch the plastic straws. But instead of just spouting about what not to do, brace yourself, I'm about to offer some solutions...
Go paper
Paper straws have the benefit of being inexpensive and biodegradable. Companies such as McDonalds are already making the switch. However, they are known for dissolving into a mushy mess when coming into contact with liquid. Slightly problematic considering their main function is to transport... liquid.
Metal?
Ahhh the metal straw, slightly more of an investment but sure to withstand beverages of any temperature and consistency. Its reusable nature makes it much more environmentally friendly and the only let down is the need to carry it with you.
More?!
Straws also come in bamboo and glass for the more exotic among us. Although the benefits are the akin to the metal alternative, surely you just feel fancy drinking from a glass one.
To further reduce your impact on the environment, request no straw when you order a drink. Even encourage your local cafes and restaurants to try an alternative.
If after reading this you still aren't convinced, ask yourself, is my need to suck liquid through a small non-biodegradable tube, greater than the needs of an ocean that powers the planet?
P.S
Although that was rhetorical, the intended answer was no...
The Social
Tell your friends about us.
Follow us on insta @the__greentea
(that's two underscores by the way)
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