Plastic straws have, for decades, been a convenient way for people to enjoy soft drinks, smoothies, and other beverages. However, with the rise of plastic pollution across the world, it is time to change our behavior and stop using plastic straws. Here are five reasons why you should stop using plastic straws today.
First, plastic straws are a major source of litter. Plastic straws are among the top ten items found in beach clean-ups and can be found in oceans and waterways. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that plastic straws make up 4.2% of all marine debris. They are lightweight and easily blown into the ocean, where they can break down into smaller pieces, which can be ingested by marine life and cause harm.
Second, plastic straws are not biodegradable. While paper or biodegradable plastic straws do exist, most of the plastic straws used today are made from polypropylene, a type of plastic that is not biodegradable. This means that even when disposed of properly, plastic straws will remain in the environment for hundreds of years.
Third, plastic straws are made from petroleum. The production of plastic straws involves the use of non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, which can have serious environmental impacts. The production process also releases carbon emissions and other pollutants into the air, contributing to global warming and climate change.
Fourth, plastic straws can harm wildlife. Sea turtles, fish, and other marine life can ingest plastic straws, which can block their digestive systems and lead to death. Birds can also become entangled in the plastic, which can lead to injury or death.
Finally, plastic straws are a major contributor to plastic pollution. Recent estimates suggest that 8.3 billion plastic straws are discarded annually in the U.S. alone. This is a huge amount of plastic waste that can take hundreds of years to decompose and pollute our environment.
In conclusion, the use of plastic straws should be avoided. There are plenty of alternatives available, such as paper straws, bamboo straws, and stainless steel straws, which are all better for the environment. By making the switch to more sustainable alternatives, we can help reduce plastic pollution and protect our planet for future generations.
