Random fact: Did you know that Americans roughly use 500 million disposal straws each day? Additionally, plastic straws are one of the top items found during litter clean-ups.
Seeking to cut down on the amount of straws from entering our oceans, The Coral Keepers designated the fourth Friday in February as National Skip the Straw Day. We all know the impacts that plastic straws have on birds, fish and other sea life, but did you know that the chemicals in plastics also interfere with their reproductive systems?
Some simple ways you can observe National Skip the Straw Day include:
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Bamboo or paper straws-they are reusable and biodegradable
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Volunteer to help clean up your local beaches, parks or neighborhoods
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If handed a straw with your beverage, simply say, “No thanks.”
First started in 2017 by the Coral Keepers, who are students at Whitehall Middle School in Michigan, wished to encourage Americans to give up the straw habit and help spread awareness about the damaging effects of disposable plastics.
For more information, please visit OC Landfills.