As part of our commitment to Earth via our Laudato Si’ Action Plan, we are inviting everyone who shares in our charism to take a monthly Eco-Challenge with us.
Say no to plastic straws
Almost automatically, we are often given a plastic straw with any beverage we order from a restaurant. These lightweight plastic tubes are used for a few minutes and then discarded. They cannot be recycled, and often end up littering our streets, greenspaces and waterways.
This month, ask yourself: “How might refusing plastic straws be a step toward improving the environment?”
Begin this Eco-Challenge by learning more about the huge problem with plastic straws. Then take the challenge and choose from our suggested activities or come up with another action of your own.
For more information
Watch STRAWS: The Film from By the Brook Films
The Last Plastic Straw Movement from the Plastic Pollution Coalition
Plastic Straw Pollution Sucks! But Do Bans Work? Your Questions Answered from Green That Life
How to stop using plastic straws by Plastic Free July
Take the Eco-Challenge
For this month’s Eco-Challenge, consider doing some small good things.
I am trying my very best to always refuse straws.
I’ve have a pocket straw that I bring in my purse. If for some reason I don’t have it with me I refuse straws. I’ve been doing this for many years.
I already say ahead of time – “No straws, no ice, no lemon”
This is such a small change. I have been doing it for several years. I am still amazed that restaurants still use them. I usually say something to the store’s manager.
I will talk to the owners of a family restaurant to ask them not to provide straws unless the customer requests them.
My kids are ahead of me on this one, but it helps to discuss this commitment as a family and be on the same page when dining out, etc. We can say, “We don’t need straws at this table. Thank you.”
You really have to be quick to say to a server – no straw, please! But I notice that there is a growing awareness and many servers won’t leave straws unless they are asked. That’s a great opportunity to say “thanks” for being eco-friendly!
Personally, I never use straws. I know that in some situations, like when people stuggle with holding cups, straws are needed. It would be great to use paper but they aren’t easy to find.
Great video, thanks!
While I don’t usually use a straw, I often forget to SAY “No straw please.” That means it goes to the trash because of sanitation. I will try to be more conscious of telling the server far enough in advance…
Talked to the owner of a local restaurant he is not giving people straws unless they are asking for them. Personally, I do not use and not accepting straws