This is the Last Straw

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Five Countries Responsible for 55-60% of the Plastic Found in our Oceans

Plastic is continuing to fill up our landfills in the United States. While it is no longer the practice in the US to dump trash into the oceans, some of the trash from our landfills can still find its way to the Atlantic or Pacific oceans due to floods and storm surges.

Did you know that much of the plastic found in our oceans does not come from the US or any other developed countries around the world? Most of the plastic found in our oceans comes from only five countries. These five countries when combined together make up most of the total plastic waste in the world; they are China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

In addition, plastic found in our oceans also comes from just ten rivers in the world, eight of which are in Asia; The Yangtze, the Indus River, Hai River, the Nile, the Ganges, Pearl River, Amur River, the Niger and the Mekong. According to an article published by DW (Deutsche Welle), these rivers run through communities where there is little or no waste collection systems in place, where most of these communities simply toss their trash into the rivers and the trash then “…conveniently disappears downstream.” One of these rivers, The Yangtze is Asia’s longest river and the third-largest river in the world, and is also home to over 480 million people. Without a proper waste disposal system in place in this part of the world, the people are forced to simply dump their garbage into the river and go about their lives.

An April 21, 2018, Forbes article sited an Ocean Conservancy study that found that “…eighty percent of ocean plastic comes from land-bases sources…not well managed, and thus leaks into the ocean.” Again, the waste in our ocean comes from lack of proper waste disposal systems throughout Asia.

Plastic is the Sea Turtle’s No. 1 Enemy

The sea turtle has such a dramatic struggle to even start its life’s journey; from an egg to baby hatch-ling, then from juvenile to an adult. Even if the sea turtle manages to grow to adulthood, it still faces a grim future in today’s ocean setting.

There have been numerous incidences where plastic straws have been found in the nostrils of sea turtles. Since the plastic straw is a thinner plastic it will actually break down into smaller fragments called “microplastics?” These microplastics are then ingested by sea turtles, fish and other marine life. Overall, plastic debris in the ocean accounts for about 100 million marine animal deaths each year. This is totally unacceptable! To add insult to injury, these same microplastics have also been found in the stomach of commercially caught fish, which is then sold to us – the consumer. These microplastics then become a health hazard to humans as well.

Let's start today -- stop using the plastic straw!

Replace that plastic straw with a reusable straw. I have found some great options:

Superkiir Collapsible Silicone Straw - 4-pack complete with its own unique packing and brushes that are easy and convenient wherever you go. Works in either 20 oz or 30 oz tumblers. These silicone straws are eco-friendly and BPA free. Another great feature is they are collapsible, so it will protect your kiddos from eye punctures. This product gets 5-star reviews for only $12.00.

Beautlohas Bendable Silicone Straw- 8-pack of colorful bendy silicone straws for kids with 2 cleaning brushes. The are also fold-able. Made out of 100% premium food grade silicone. 5-star reviews for only $12.99.

TerraWise Eco-Friendly Reusable Drinking Straws - These come in a set of 15 assorted length straws perfect for smoothies, and tumblers. Each set includes:

5 each of the stainless steel straws

5 each of the glass straws

5 each of the natural bamboo straws

Also comes with 2 cleaning brushes

TerraWise's mission is to reduce waste through ethical buying options for the consumer. 5-star rating for only $15.99

For those of you not quite ready to make the switch to a reusable straw (maybe because you don't want to have to remember to clean it) -- please make a commitment to stop using that plastic straw! I found a disposable straw that is both eco-friendly and biodegradable:

Koopla Biodegradable disposable paper straws - 5 packs of 200 each, for a total of 1,000 straws in five different colors. They are great for parties or picnics. Say hello to a cleaner environment with these straws, FDA approved, FSC and RoSH certified. Made with non-toxic, eco-friendly, food-safe materials. A great alternative to environmentally harmful plastic straws. Comes in eco-friendly packaging with no plastic used.

1000 straws for only $34.99.

Have a great plastic free day!