Straws

500,000,000 plastic straws are discarded every day in the U.S. alone. That’s enough, when lined up end-to-end, to circle the globe 2.5 times. Again, that’s every day in the U.S. alone.

We dispose of so much plastic that we are only able to recycle the most common types of plastic.  Plastics #1 to #3 are most commonly recycled.  Plastics #4 to #7 usually become trash. (Straws are a #5 Plastic and therefore end up in landfills).  Regardless of whether you put your straws in the garbage or in the recycling bin, they will end up in a landfill or in the ocean.  Because straws are tiny, lightweight and buoyant they have the ability to travel great distances. They float down rivers and sewers into the sea. Eventually they join great garbage patches that choke and poison the food chain.  Straws are 1 of the top 10 items found in beach cleanups.  It is estimated that 1 million sea birds, 100,000 marine mammals, and countless fish are killed by plastic pollution each year.

We have been using certified compostable straws that are made from corn plastic.  This however is not good enough.  These plastics can take up to six months to biodegrade in an industrial composting facility.  These do not exist on most locales and these straws do not break down in normal composting settings.  “Compostable Plastics”  are not as advertised and although they break down faster than plastic they still pollute our landfills and oceans.  The only way to lessen straw pollution is to use reusable straws, paper straws, or even better: NO STRAWS!!!  If you love using a straw then please buy a reusable plastic or stainless steel straw.  If you bring in your own reusable smoothie cup and straw to Harvest Cafe you will receive 10% off of your order as part of our bring your own togo container program.  Better yet you will be doing your part to reduce straw pollution.  If you are dining in, try using a metal spoon to eat your smoothie, or just drink from the glass.