Shoreline says: Skip the straw

From the City of Shoreline

An estimated 9 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. If that trend continues, it’s anticipated that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050!

 

Plastic straws are an item that most of us could live without. Plastic straws don’t biodegrade under natural conditions, and they can’t easily be recycled due to their small size. 

Many straws end up in our local streams and the ocean where they can pollute habitat for salmon, orcas and other species. 

According to Ocean Conservancy, plastic straws are one of the top ten items collected every year during their International Coastal Cleanup.

Reducing our use of single-use plastics, including straws, can help! The City is partnering with Ocean Conservancy to reduce plastic pollution and encourage Shoreline residents and businesses to “Skip the Straw.” Visit Skip the Straw to pledge today!

Individuals: Pledge not to use single-use plastic straws for the next 30 days. When ordering a drink, politely request “no straw, please.” Carry a reusable straw, such as one made from stainless steel, bamboo or glass. You can also pledge to ask your favorite restaurant to serve straws only on request. 

We’ll be updating an online map showing the number of individual pledges by neighborhood for a little friendly competition, so encourage your friends and family to participate!

Businesses: Businesses can pledge to only offer straws upon request and/or switch to reusable or compostable straws. Participating businesses will receive a window decal and display materials and be highlighted on social media. Businesses that sign the pledge can still offer flexible plastic drinking straws to customers who need them due to medical or physical conditions.