Straws have been around since 1888, adding to our terrifying amounts of plastic within our oceans.  Plastics don’t biodegrade!  Harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), which interferes with the reproductive systems in marine life, and suspended carcinogens are released with the breakdown of plastics.

Americans alone use 500 million drinking straws daily! (“National Skip”, 2018).  We use a straw for about 20 minutes then toss it away not able to be recycled due to BPA and will then remain on our planet forever.  Birds and sea life often mistake straws for food reeking havoc on their health and survival. 

Except for those with medical needs, straws are not needed to consume beverages.  So lets all pick up the glass and tip it back like our parents taught us to do at age four or five.

 There are other straw options like bamboo straws, paper straws, stainless steel straws and even glass straws are now in most environmentally aware stores.

Remember to plan ahead when frequenting certain restaurants, be prepared to request your drink without a straw.

 Educating your friends and family about how silly straws truly are will help motivate them to make the switch to straw-free.

Legge Health Clinic