In recent years a main staple of our society is slowly becoming extinct and has been put on the endangered species list for its contribution to the erosion of our planet. The plastic straw has been in the eye of the public for some time now and its usefulness by the ages and generations for its convenience to consume beverages of all sorts is slowly being replaced by a much safer method which are not as harmful to our environment. Plastic straws have always been the biggest contributor when talking about ocean waste.
The new trend started from a video that went viral showing a sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nose, this sparked social media attention and has changed the viewers’ attitude towards using plastic products that can destroy our planet, ocean, natural resources and even animals.
The movement is to replace the plastic straw with more biodegradable elements that are less harmful and easier to recycle. Some of the replacements available are paper straws which decompose after 30-60 days, a plant based compostable straws, uncooked pasta, metal and bamboo straws to name a few.
Many governments and large organization in the hospitality sector have taken a stand to make a change to do more than their part for the goodness of the planet. By making these changes a much welcomed stride has happened to open the eyes of the consumer to also take a personal stand and be a positive contributor to the health of our environment for which we all live and enjoy.
Each of us has an obligation to reduce and eliminate the use of plastic straws. With these little acts we can save our lives and the lives of generations to come. We wouldn’t want our children or grandchildren to not see the beauty of oceans and our natural resources just because plastic straws and other plastic products have taken over our environment. That is why the hospitality industry have begun to join the campaign by plummeting the quantity of plastic waste that it produces.
Many governments and large organization in the hospitality sector have taken a stand to make a change to do more than their part for the goodness of the planet. By making these changes a much welcomed stride has happened to open the eyes of the consumer to also take a personal stand and be a positive contributor to the health of our environment for which we all live and enjoy.
SALES AND MARKETING TREND OF PLASTIC STRAWS
Plastic straws have been around in the world for quite some time and was one of the best introduced products in the 20th century. However, due to the increasingly demand of society for an on-the-go product, the world has now realized the harmful effects of the use of plastic straws in the environment.
In the past years, companies, countries and environmental groups have been working on implementing bans on the use of plastic straws to help the environment. Due to this, plastic straw alternatives have been introduced which created a big effect on the economy. These alternatives have created a big movement in society which made them one of the trendiest products in the market. From straws made out of paper and metal to bamboo and pasta. People are still currently searching for more ways to be Eco-friendly for the environment and save the Earth.
Several big chain companies such as McDonald’s and Starbucks which are known for their massive use of plastics are working their way to phasing out single-use straws and replacing them with paper straws and straw-free lids. In recent news, hotel companies such as Hilton and Marriott have also joined the bandwagon of removing plastic straws from their managed properties worldwide by the end of 2019 to reduce their environmental impact. Due to such big companies joining the boycott of plastic straws, it is creating a big influence on other companies to be open about supporting Eco-friendly products and making a big difference in the world. The goal of this movement is not just to make a bigger market for Eco-friendly and sustainable products but also to let people be aware of their responsibility to protect the environment and minimize the environmental impact each one of us have in the world.
Plastic straws have been around in the world for quite some time and was one of the best introduced products in the 20th century. However, due to the increasingly demand of society for an on-the-go product, the world has now realized the harmful effects of the use of plastic straws in the environment.
In the past years, companies, countries and environmental groups have been working on implementing bans on the use of plastic straws to help the environment. Due to this, plastic straw alternatives have been introduced which created a big effect on the economy. These alternatives have created a big movement in society which made them one of the trendiest products in the market. From straws made out of paper and metal to bamboo and pasta. People are still currently searching for more ways to be Eco-friendly for the environment and save the Earth.
Several big chain companies such as McDonald’s and Starbucks which are known for their massive use of plastics are working their way to phasing out single-use straws and replacing them with paper straws and straw-free lids. In recent news, hotel companies such as Hilton and Marriott have also joined the bandwagon of removing plastic straws from their managed properties worldwide by the end of 2019 to reduce their environmental impact. Due to such big companies joining the boycott of plastic straws, it is creating a big influence on other companies to be open about supporting Eco-friendly products and making a big difference in the world. The goal of this movement is not just to make a bigger market for Eco-friendly and sustainable products but also to let people be aware of their responsibility to protect the environment and minimize the environmental impact each one of us have in the world.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF PLASTIC STRAWS
Uncontrollable Waste in Ocean
Plastic straws are either left on the beaches or blown out of trash cans. These elements break down into smaller pieces called "micro-plastics". They are not biodegrading nor dissolving in salt water.
Death of Marine Animals
Most plastic straws do not make it through the mechanical recycling sorter as they are small and too lightweight and this is the reason they can make their way to the ocean. When these straws become “micro-plastics”, marine animals mistaken these for food causing their death. It is estimated that by year 2050, 99% of all seabirds would have eaten plastic which can lead to 50% mortality rate.
Environmental Effect
Most plastic straws are made from Polypropylene which results to the production of toxic pollutants into the environment. About 4% of plastic waste are composed of plastic straws. A lot of people think that since straws are made of plastic, they are recyclable. Of the many environmental effects, one would be the massive floods due to improper handling of plastic straw waste.
Effects to Humans
Since micro-plastics are being ingested by marine animals, some of which belong to the food chain, this means that micro-plastics are also ultimately entering our bodies. One study in Europe states that a consumer-grade mussel contains about 90 micro-plastics, this would make an ardent mussel taker consume micro-plastics as well, with an estimated number of 11,000 a year. For now, though it would be difficult to know how much micro-plastics we can get from fish, one study has found these in fish liver as well, not to mention from stomach or other parts which are removed prior to consumption. Micro-plastics can also be found in canned fish and sea salt.
Uncontrollable Waste in Ocean
Plastic straws are either left on the beaches or blown out of trash cans. These elements break down into smaller pieces called "micro-plastics". They are not biodegrading nor dissolving in salt water.
Death of Marine Animals
Most plastic straws do not make it through the mechanical recycling sorter as they are small and too lightweight and this is the reason they can make their way to the ocean. When these straws become “micro-plastics”, marine animals mistaken these for food causing their death. It is estimated that by year 2050, 99% of all seabirds would have eaten plastic which can lead to 50% mortality rate.
Environmental Effect
Most plastic straws are made from Polypropylene which results to the production of toxic pollutants into the environment. About 4% of plastic waste are composed of plastic straws. A lot of people think that since straws are made of plastic, they are recyclable. Of the many environmental effects, one would be the massive floods due to improper handling of plastic straw waste.
Effects to Humans
Since micro-plastics are being ingested by marine animals, some of which belong to the food chain, this means that micro-plastics are also ultimately entering our bodies. One study in Europe states that a consumer-grade mussel contains about 90 micro-plastics, this would make an ardent mussel taker consume micro-plastics as well, with an estimated number of 11,000 a year. For now, though it would be difficult to know how much micro-plastics we can get from fish, one study has found these in fish liver as well, not to mention from stomach or other parts which are removed prior to consumption. Micro-plastics can also be found in canned fish and sea salt.
SOCIETAL MARKETING
The true definition of Societal Marketing is not about using Social Media as a tool to promote or market products or services. Societal Marketing is a marketing strategy that uses the environment as an excuse to market products or services. Using the environment to be better is the main topic while doing Societal Marketing.
Selling non-plastic straw is an example for Societal Marketing because as the statistics have shown us, plastic straw has many bad impacts for the environment and for the future of all mankind. When selling non-plastic straw, Societal Marketing strategy is often used by providing various environmental problem such as uncontrollable waste in ocean or death of marine animals.
Companies or organizations must convince the customers that buying non-plastic straw is not just better for the environment but also for the good of the customers. Although Societal Marketing is often used for Non-Profit Organizations or Government, it is a good strategy to generate revenue. Furthermore, using Societal Marketing is not an easy strategy because even the reasons behind the products or services is convincing enough, sometimes the products or services are not what customers wanted.
We have to change and make our products or services work for our customers rather than forcing our customers to change. Non-plastic straws have a really negative effects for the environment; however, not a lot of people realized the impacts. Even though, Canada is not the most making plastics garbage in the world, we still have a responsibility to take care of our environment as well as our society.
The true definition of Societal Marketing is not about using Social Media as a tool to promote or market products or services. Societal Marketing is a marketing strategy that uses the environment as an excuse to market products or services. Using the environment to be better is the main topic while doing Societal Marketing.
Selling non-plastic straw is an example for Societal Marketing because as the statistics have shown us, plastic straw has many bad impacts for the environment and for the future of all mankind. When selling non-plastic straw, Societal Marketing strategy is often used by providing various environmental problem such as uncontrollable waste in ocean or death of marine animals.
Companies or organizations must convince the customers that buying non-plastic straw is not just better for the environment but also for the good of the customers. Although Societal Marketing is often used for Non-Profit Organizations or Government, it is a good strategy to generate revenue. Furthermore, using Societal Marketing is not an easy strategy because even the reasons behind the products or services is convincing enough, sometimes the products or services are not what customers wanted.
We have to change and make our products or services work for our customers rather than forcing our customers to change. Non-plastic straws have a really negative effects for the environment; however, not a lot of people realized the impacts. Even though, Canada is not the most making plastics garbage in the world, we still have a responsibility to take care of our environment as well as our society.
SALES AND MARKETING TREND OF ALTERNATIVE STRAWS
Simply Straws is a company that promotes and sell reusable straw
alternatives. Cyndi Sladics, the co-founder of the company is a dentist and
was obliged to do something to provide safe products that would benefit her
patients, more so the environment. Her whole family - husband and children work
together to provide the reusable drinking straw alternatives.
The #PledgeAgainstPlasticStraws Campus
Challenge
The company has put up a marketing campaign by giving every campus a challenge. Each student, faculty staff, employees, alumni, family and friends
are invited to register for this campaign. The main goal is to encourage as
many people as possible to join the bandwagon to #PledgeAgainstPlasticStraws.
One High School and one College that collects
the greatest number of pledges will be given 100 custom etched reusable glass
straw from Simple Straws. Moreover, the campus will also be featured in the
website and company’s social media accounts.
Registration is done at the SimplyStraws.com
website and only one student may register per campus. After that, people can
now start by spreading the pledge through social media, text messages, email
newsletter and by word of mouth.
CERTIFIED B CORPORATION
Simply Straws donate an additional 1% gross
sales that would support non-profit organizations that help in cultivating and encourage
to go against single-use plastic straws. This means that the company exceeds 2%
of their revenue to charity.
B Corp is a non-profit organization that operates
as worldwide movement of people that uses business for which the society will
benefit. The Best For The World List – Environment involves businesses that received
an environment score which are in the top 10% of more than 2,400 Certified B Corporations.
In line with this, we can say that Simply Straws is in good hand because it was
awarded to be The Best For The World 2018 – Environment for their effort in
making a great impact to the environment.
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
“Simply Straws’ wants to
build, support and activate an alliance of businesses financially committed to
creating a healthy planet”
A company committed to
the environment, trying to leave the planet “better than we found it” as they
proudly say. LOVE BLUE.
Through their campaign
“Straws for a Cause” they are contributing with the planet by donating 1% of
their gross income to benefit organizations like:
- Keep a Breast
- POW
- For the Planet
- Sgyres
And many more. By doing
this they are inspiring people against plastic and creating awareness about
sustainability, health and environment.
They also encourage us
by giving people the chance to win a $100 Gift Card.
Invest the movement for a healthier planet!
Simply Straws is a company that promotes and sell reusable straw
alternatives. Cyndi Sladics, the co-founder of the company is a dentist and
was obliged to do something to provide safe products that would benefit her
patients, more so the environment. Her whole family - husband and children work
together to provide the reusable drinking straw alternatives.
The #PledgeAgainstPlasticStraws Campus
Challenge
The company has put up a marketing campaign by giving every campus a challenge. Each student, faculty staff, employees, alumni, family and friends
are invited to register for this campaign. The main goal is to encourage as
many people as possible to join the bandwagon to #PledgeAgainstPlasticStraws.
One High School and one College that collects
the greatest number of pledges will be given 100 custom etched reusable glass
straw from Simple Straws. Moreover, the campus will also be featured in the
website and company’s social media accounts.
Registration is done at the SimplyStraws.com
website and only one student may register per campus. After that, people can
now start by spreading the pledge through social media, text messages, email
newsletter and by word of mouth.
CERTIFIED B CORPORATION
Simply Straws donate an additional 1% gross
sales that would support non-profit organizations that help in cultivating and encourage
to go against single-use plastic straws. This means that the company exceeds 2%
of their revenue to charity.
B Corp is a non-profit organization that operates
as worldwide movement of people that uses business for which the society will
benefit. The Best For The World List – Environment involves businesses that received
an environment score which are in the top 10% of more than 2,400 Certified B Corporations.
In line with this, we can say that Simply Straws is in good hand because it was
awarded to be The Best For The World 2018 – Environment for their effort in
making a great impact to the environment.
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
“Simply Straws’ wants to
build, support and activate an alliance of businesses financially committed to
creating a healthy planet”
A company committed to
the environment, trying to leave the planet “better than we found it” as they
proudly say. LOVE BLUE.
Through their campaign
“Straws for a Cause” they are contributing with the planet by donating 1% of
their gross income to benefit organizations like:
- Keep a Breast
- POW
- For the Planet
- Sgyres
And many more. By doing
this they are inspiring people against plastic and creating awareness about
sustainability, health and environment.
They also encourage us
by giving people the chance to win a $100 Gift Card.
Invest the movement for a healthier planet!
PLASTIC STRAW ALTERNATIVES
WHERE TO BUY ALTERNATIVE STRAWS?
There are many websites you can purchase your own non-plastic and reusable straws.
https://simplystraws.com is one of the top sources. On this website they sell glass straws, stainless-steel straws and “make it your own” straws that come in many colors, sets, sizes or individually. They have sleeves for the straws as well to carry around with you, cleaning brushes to wash them and glass masons with lids and a hole for your simply straw to go inside of. Additional information on their website includes the purpose of their straws, 10% promotions off your first purchase, their pledge against plastic straws campaign, their Instagram ambassadors and many more. Click the link to find out all the awesomeness!
www.amazon.ca is also another source of reusable straws. If you are an amazon prime member you can get the straws delivered right to your doorstep the next day with one-day free shipping. So, the next time you order a video game, an accessory for your phone or a gift for your significant other, remember to add a reusable straw to your shopping cart before you check out.
http://aliexpress.com and http://urbanoutfitters.com have reusable straws as well. AliExpress has portable collapsible straws that you can store into a keychain and has a keychain hole. Finally, Urban Outfitters has a “Life Without Plastic” Stainless-steel straw + a cleaning brush kit. Click here for the exact link: Stainless Steel Metal Drinking Straw
Before you use a plastic straw, think about the alternatives you can use. There are a variety of replacements to these including reusable plastic straw that can be used for years and are washable. So, the next time you are at a fast food restaurant pouring your own drink from that awesome soda machine and about to pick up that plastic straw, think about how you can save yourself, your children, or grandchildren and the environment by carrying your own reusable one.
Lonely Whale is a website from where you can learn the importance of using Eco-friendly alternatives from plastic straws.
“CHANGE THE WORLD ONE SIP AT A TIME”
is a campaign used by some artists to promote the use of paper straws. It is estimated that by year 2050, there will be more plastic than fish. Do your part!
Social Media Accounts
WHERE TO BUY ALTERNATIVE STRAWS?
There are many websites you can purchase your own non-plastic and reusable straws.
https://simplystraws.com is one of the top sources. On this website they sell glass straws, stainless-steel straws and “make it your own” straws that come in many colors, sets, sizes or individually. They have sleeves for the straws as well to carry around with you, cleaning brushes to wash them and glass masons with lids and a hole for your simply straw to go inside of. Additional information on their website includes the purpose of their straws, 10% promotions off your first purchase, their pledge against plastic straws campaign, their Instagram ambassadors and many more. Click the link to find out all the awesomeness!
www.amazon.ca is also another source of reusable straws. If you are an amazon prime member you can get the straws delivered right to your doorstep the next day with one-day free shipping. So, the next time you order a video game, an accessory for your phone or a gift for your significant other, remember to add a reusable straw to your shopping cart before you check out.
http://aliexpress.com and http://urbanoutfitters.com have reusable straws as well. AliExpress has portable collapsible straws that you can store into a keychain and has a keychain hole. Finally, Urban Outfitters has a “Life Without Plastic” Stainless-steel straw + a cleaning brush kit. Click here for the exact link: Stainless Steel Metal Drinking Straw
Before you use a plastic straw, think about the alternatives you can use. There are a variety of replacements to these including reusable plastic straw that can be used for years and are washable. So, the next time you are at a fast food restaurant pouring your own drink from that awesome soda machine and about to pick up that plastic straw, think about how you can save yourself, your children, or grandchildren and the environment by carrying your own reusable one.
is a campaign used by some artists to promote the use of paper straws. It is estimated that by year 2050, there will be more plastic than fish. Do your part!
Social media is the company's one way of reaching out to its customers, people who consume beverages and users of plastic straws. All their promotions and campaigns are posted on these links which their followers share all through out the world.
Awesome Instagram Ambassadors:
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
1. Do you think that big chain companies are doing the right thing by transitioning to the use of Eco-friendly products? How do you think this will affect them?
2. Based on this blog post, what else do you think are the effects of plastic straws to your children, grandchildren or future generation?
3. What will your next step to "saying no" to plastic straws be?
References:
https://simplystraws.com/
1. Do you think that big chain companies are doing the right thing by transitioning to the use of Eco-friendly products? How do you think this will affect them?
2. Based on this blog post, what else do you think are the effects of plastic straws to your children, grandchildren or future generation?
3. What will your next step to "saying no" to plastic straws be?
References:
https://simplystraws.com/
