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Be Straw Free

doschicosdoschicos 21966 replies232 threads Senior Member
in Parent Cafe
I hadn't really thought about this unthreading this article earlier in the week. Such a small thing to do that adds up. I've gone straw free.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-campaign-to-eliminate-plastic-straws-is-sucking-in-thousands-of-converts/2017/06/24/d53f70cc-4c5a-11e7-9669-250d0b15f83b_story.html?
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Replies to: Be Straw Free

  • doschicosdoschicos 21966 replies232 threads Senior Member
    *until reading
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  • HImomHImom 34796 replies394 threads Senior Member
    Sorry--can't read due to paywall.
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  • collage1collage1 1853 replies72 threads Senior Member
    I've gone almost fully straw free for environmental reasons for awhile now. Exceptions are when I purchase a drink for consumption in the car, etc. but, you're right: it's an easy, very low pain way to help. (I don't subscribe to the WP so I could only read the headline and see the picture but have read what I believe the article is about before.)
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  • IgloooIglooo 8313 replies215 threads Senior Member
    I didn't know people still use a straw. We've been straw free for a long time. Can't remember the last time I used one.
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  • doschicosdoschicos 21966 replies232 threads Senior Member
    For those without WaPo access, here are some other links about the program started by a boy who was 9 years old at the time:

    http://www.ecocycle.org/bestrawfree

    https://www.nps.gov/commercialservices/greenline_straw_free.htm

    p.s. If you have Amazon Prime, you can get a free 6 month online subscription to the Washington Post.
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  • sylvan8798sylvan8798 6667 replies141 threads Senior Member
    collage1 wrote:
    've gone almost fully straw free for environmental reasons for awhile now. Exceptions are when I purchase a drink for consumption in the car, etc. but, you're right: it's an easy, very low pain way to help.
    I use straws in drinks with ice because I have sensitive teeth, so it would not be "low pain" for me. Is there a good alternative?
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  • HImomHImom 34796 replies394 threads Senior Member
    I'd be fine without straws if we didn't get so much ice in our cups that when you drink them the ice clips together and you end up with drink on your shirt. Just cold water with little or no ice would suit me just fine. Even room temp water us better than the dreaded clump of ice.
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  • doschicosdoschicos 21966 replies232 threads Senior Member
    My husband usual requests no ice.
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  • MomofWildChildMomofWildChild 22882 replies192 threads Senior Member
    I do a lot to help the environment, but I like my straws!
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  • MaineLonghornMaineLonghorn 39506 replies2174 threads Super Moderator
    Cold drinks without ice? Ick. I had a hard time in Europe, where they don't seem to believe in ice. Lukewarm Coke!
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  • doschicosdoschicos 21966 replies232 threads Senior Member
    Most cold drinks in the USA are already very cold without ice. And you get more beverage for your $ :)

    @MomofWildChild Some options are going back to biodegradable paper straws or using reusable straws.
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  • Nrdsb4Nrdsb4 17221 replies163 threads Senior Member
    I didn't know people still use a straw.

    You seriously never see people walking around with their soda cups with straws in them?

    I don't use straws, but I'm certainly aware others do.
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  • sarhasarha 234 replies52 threads Junior Member
    We also use the stainless steel straws. I think they're great.
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  • MomofWildChildMomofWildChild 22882 replies192 threads Senior Member
    I get straws in restaurants. I can't control what they provide. I re-use straws at home- usually the nice plastic ones from Sonic.
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  • gouf78gouf78 7795 replies23 threads Senior Member
    I use straws and not giving them up. I do often reuse them.
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  • musicprntmusicprnt 6216 replies37 threads Senior Member
    If you like to use straws at home, there are biodegradable/compostable straws, they are all over the place, for example,
    https://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Biodegradable-Paper-Straws-Striped/dp/B004K8N18Q.
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  • BunsenBurnerBunsenBurner 39356 replies470 threads Senior Member
    IMO, ice in drinks is much more damaging to the planet than straws. :) Just think how much energy is going into making that ice. It is just the unfortunate effects of nature interacting with straws are much more graphic...
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  • mathmommathmom 32645 replies160 threads Senior Member
    edited June 2017
    We don't use straws at home. I wonder if you could get the coffee places to put their iced coffee in their hot cups? I think for milkshake types drinks straws are pretty much a necessity. Once upon a time straws were made of waxed paper, maybe we should go back to that. (Actually Google tells me there are companies making compostable straws.)

    Actually, we can have an influence on what restaurants buy. Talk to the manager. Write to headquarters for the chain restaurants.
    edited June 2017
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  • MaineLonghornMaineLonghorn 39506 replies2174 threads Super Moderator
    Ugh, even a cold drink warms up quickly without ice. Don't know how people drink it. I do ask them not to fill up the whole cup with ice, but a half cup is good. I guess I'm stubborn. Not giving up straws.
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