"Strawlternatives"

Let's be real, plastic has formed a case towards being extremely negative on the environment. Not only is plastic non biodegradable, but it actually breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces entering our oceans and even the food and beverages Americans are consuming.

Right now the sea life is taking a pretty big hit. I came across a video in which a straw had been stuck in a sea turtle's nostril. This made me think about every straw I have ever used and where it ended up. The results are devastating. On average, lets say you use just one straw a day. That turns into 365 straws a year, 1,825 straws every 5 years, and 29,200 straws over the course of 80 years.

It's time to talk 'strawlternatives' (straw alternatives):

1. REUSABLE. Rather than throwing away straw after straw after straw after straw, (you get the idea) reuse one straw for a few days, the week, or even purchase a non throw away straw made of a thicker (preferably recyclable) plastic, glass or stainless steel.

2. GO PAPER. Amazon has a great selection of paper straws to chose from, not only are they colorful but 100% biodegradable! If you use 1 straw a day, you will spend roughly $20.00 for the whole year. If that safes an innocent animal, I'm all for it.

3. STOP SUCKING. Opting out of straw consumption isn't a bad idea let alone a difficult one. When you go to restaurants they almost always hand you paper wrapped straws. Shooting the wrapper at one of your family members might be fun, but the sea life and/ or environment will thank you for opting out. You should smile at the fact you could be saving a sea turtle not at the fact you shot your sister in the eye with the end of the paper wrapper.

4. GET CRAFTY. Unfortunately the majority of straws are not recyclable because the material used to manufacture them is either too weak for reuse, or mixed with other ingredients, which make them non-recyclable. However, bring out your creative side and use straws for children's crafting and jewelry making, home decor items, or even to decorate cards with.

Overall, minimizing the amount of straw waste begins with you. And you. And you. Think before you use a straw and what you plan to do with it after. Consider stawlternatives and your earth will thank you.

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