Take a big GULP because plastic isnβt biodegradable & most plastic straws break down into so-called micro plastics which are harmful to the planet and its inhabitants. β»οΈ
A group of nine 8th-graders called the Coral Keepers along with Susan Tate of Whitehall, Michigan created this day in 2017 as part of their project to cease disposable straw usage. Straws that are disposable have a devastating effect on the environment but also can create some health problems as well.Β National SKIP the STRAW Day is celebrated on theΒ 4th Friday in February where the teenagers entered the Lexus Eco Challenge, a national STEM competition.
The students that take part in this competition work on projects to help address environmental problems, not unlike the EEP (Earthβs Environmental Pollution). After the students watched a movie where a turtle had a straw stuck up its nose, they were compelled to do something about the usage of plastic drinking straws.
Stainless steel straws are good but many people donβt like the feel of metal on their skin. Some metal straws have silicone tips to place in your mouth. These are better but why not get a straw made entirely from silicone. There are straws made from glass believe it or not. Some unconventional options are sugarcane and bamboo straws. Probably my least favorite are paper straws. Itβs a choice, but for me ranks at the bottom of the list.
All these plastic straw alternatives are durable, long-lasting, flexible, recyclable, portable, and can be used with hot and cold beverages. Either forgo the usage of straws that arenβt recyclable or at least use biodegradable ones.
Not sure how to LOVE the day? Weβve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on National SKIP the STRAW Day!
Volunteer to help clean up a park or seaside coastline. While youβre there, see just how many straws you can pick up.
Watch a documentary called Straws by Linda Booker.
Use a biodegradable such as a nice bamboo straw or any other type of reusable straw including stainless steel.
Events might be going on during the day on National SKIP the STRAW Day; take part in these activities.
Use social media posts with the hashtags #NationalSkipTheStrawDay, #SkiptheStraw, #EnvironmentAwareness, #Recycling, #ActivistHolidays, #FebruaryHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you β€οΈ National SKIP the STRAW Day.
Amerian actor best known for his roles in The Goonies, Rudy, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Born 1971.
SEAN ASTIN Quote
βYou canβt play a hobbit if youβre not prepared to be a part of nerd culture.β
American nutritionist and author best known for her book series Letβs Stay Healthy. Born 1904.
ADELLE DAVIS Quote
βWe are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to become much more than what we are.β
βEat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.β
American professional wrestler whose career spans almost 40 years. His ring-strutting antics and signature call were inspired from βGreat Balls of Fireβ by Jerry Lee Lewis. Just like Dane does it: CLAP CLAP β¦ Wooooooo! Born 1949.
RIC FLAIR Quote
βTo be the man, you gotta beat the man!β
Year | Date | Day of the Week |
---|---|---|
2023 | February 24 | Friday |
2024 | February 23 | Friday |
2025 | February 28 | Friday |
2026 | February 27 | Friday |
2027 | February 26 | Friday |
Using biodegradable or reusable straws can have some good benefits for you. We can treat the environment with respect and cut down on damaging plastic waste. Here are some reasons to possibly forgo using a straw entirely.
Each time you pucker up to a straw, the skin around your lips wrinkle. This can lead to smokerβs lips. Also drinking from a straw puts air in your digestive system causing gas and bloating.
The production of plastic products is bad for the air. Disposable straws and other plastics are made using chemicals that produce HAPS (Hazardous Air Pollutants). These HAPS are odorless and colorless but if breathed in can cause cancer and reproductive problems. Disposable straws are made with recyclable plastic #5 which means polypropylene or just PP. However, theyβre not recycled because they often slip through gaps on the recycling conveyor being so small. And they wind up in landfills anyway.
Disposable straws wind up in waterways and oceans. They become microplastics in the ocean. These microplastics get ingested by animals, fish, turtles, seagulls, and other animals. Theyβre harming the animals and if these animals have ingested microplastics this can result in serious health problems for adults if we then eat those animals. Seriously consider not using disposable straws today and do your part. We still do not know the ramifications of microplastics at this point.
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