It’s just one straw…

said 7.5 billion people.

Obviously I’m exaggerating, a little, but only a little. In reality approximately 500 million straws are thrown away every day. In the United States alone. Straws are one of the most commonly found plastic items in ocean cleanups.

Straws can’t be recycled, they are too narrow and too lightweight to be sent through mechanical sorters. In the best case they will end up in a landfill where they will break down into smaller pieces, never fully decomposing. Worst case they are left in our ecosystems, even making their way to the oceans.

Thinking about the amount of straws I have used and disposed of in my lifetime hurts a little. I can’t do anything about my my past actions, but by being better informed now I can make better choices.

I know not everyone uses straws and also that there are those who have to use a straw for medical reasons, so this is not a one solution fits all type of problem.

I could just not use a straw at all, but I love my straws!

I have switched to stainless steel and aluminum straws. I keep a set in my purse so I always have one with me and if I don’t, I just don’t use one.

So keep that in mind when you use that straw, it will outlast you, your children, your children’s children….

But remember, it can take an average of 66 days to form a new habit, so don’t be discouraged when you forget.

Does anyone else out there have a straw habit?

What solutions have you come up with?