What did the Sea Turtle Say to the Human?
"Sin Popote, Por Favor!"
STOP SUCKING: SAVE OUR OCEANS
We like your shirt Mr. Adrian Gernier...
Unless you are living under a rock (which might be cool too-depending on the size of the rock) you have probably heard about the plastic straw bans that are happening across the globe right now.
It all started when a video of a biologist pulling a straw from a sea turtle's nostril went viral in 2015. Next, we started seeing celebrities using their public platform to decline the straw and raise awareness about the amount of plastics in our oceans. Finally, our political systems and corporations are catching up and putting laws on the ballot to ban the straw. Starbucks, Disney and McDonald's are the latest major corporations to announce the departure of the plastic straw.
FYI: Green Maya Tulum is a Zero Waste Business :)
Even though it took a few years longer than we would have preferred, we are still ecstatic about the single-use plastic straw bans (and awareness). Our plastic problem is not exclusive to straws, but it's a good place to start.
Like with every problem, the first place to look is at ourselves. What is our part? What are our responsibilities? Are we doing everything we can to find solutions? We can't keep blaming Mexico for our straw problems. (500 million EVERY DAY just in the USA!)
That being said changes can be challenging. Restaurants are conditioned to automatically pop in a straw and we the customer are not yet in the habit of declining. Be patient, remembering to decline the straw takes some practice. It took us many frustrating restaurant visits to remember but we are happy to report that our straw declining habit is formed.
Straw lovers, have no fear there are earth friendly alternatives! You too can help protect the sea turtles and save our oceans :)
Because sometimes you need a straw!
Green Maya recommends these 3 eco-straw alternatives:
1) Simply Straws Utensil Kits- We love these complete utensil kits for eating and drinking on the go! And they have a kids size too!
2) Klean Kanteen Metal Straws- We are big fans and customers of Kleen Kanteen products.
3) Blue Chai Bamboo Straws - Bamboo is rapidly renewable and biodegradable. We like these straws because they can be sterilized at high temps and used over and over again. Added bonus-this eco-conscious company also sells unique delicious teas!
*we are not being paid by these companies, we just like them
WARNING: Be wary of the plant-based biodegradable or compostable alternatives. These materials require industrial facilities to manage and process-independent from your typical waste collectors. These bio-plastics CAN NOT be recycled. If you have your own composting pile, OK very cool! but the majority of municipal collectors do not yet have the infrastructure to handle these bio-plastics. Paper straws are better in this case. (I'm speaking mostly of the Americas, Europe is leap years ahead in recycling /composting infrastructure)
From the most beautiful remote areas of the oceans, the lakes, the rivers, the nationally protected parks and the native communities across the globe (where plastic should not exist, but sadly it does) we invite you to join Team Earth to help us put an end to single-use plastic straws.
The sea turtles, the whales, the fish, the sharks, the birds, and the marine plants appreciate all the human help possible. I know this because Jorge talks to them. :)
As always we would love to hear from you. If you have a comment, a question or a correction to any of the content in the post- PLEASE do me a favor and share in the comments section below.
Many blessings,
Aho Mitakuye Oyasin
Sara @ Green Maya Tulum
Ecotourism that combines nature, spirit, and culture to deliver the ultimate guided outdoor experience.
EL BUZZ VERDE
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER AND SHARING IS CARING :)
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