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/
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAccording to my opinion ,enivromental friendly products are the best things to us. That can help to save our surroundings.i have also seen that most of the restaurants are taking good step and have started using the paper straw instead of the plastic ones. This step should be taken by everyone so that this problem can be eliminated from its root. Plastic straws can affect the enviroment and the people as well in a bad way. For instance,the plastic straws are non biodegradable which means they are difficult to decompose. Moreover plastic straws are tough to recycle because of its complexed components or the compound chains that are present in it. Furthermore,plastic straws can affect badly to the children as well as adult .firstly,when we drink any soft drink with plastic straws it hits our specific area in the teeth which can bring us to errosion of some specific layers of teeth.if people have habit of straws ,they can use the paper ones instead of plastic ones because it just doesn’t affect the enviroment but can affect the human life as well.!
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you for your response and support. We do agree that environmental friendly products are the best for our society. It can help us to save our world. Hopefully people can understand that using an alternative eco-friendly product can make a big difference for society.
DeletePersonally, I think that restaurants use environmentally friendly products such as paper materials instead of plastic materials is a major contribution to society. The issue of environmental protection is increasingly concerned. Restaurants aim at environmentally friendly methods and products that make people more aware and aware of the right thing. Therefore, customers will be closer and more interested in the products of the restaurant. I think that using environmentally friendly materials brings more benefits to restaurants than plastic materials. Because the restaurant will be more save money, compact and cleaner. Customers will also appreciate the restaurant's products and services more. Currently there are a number of restaurants such as Tim Hortons, Subway and MC Donald are applying paper materials instead of plastic materials. That helps their firm more attract customers and promote products more widely.
ReplyDelete-Kim Nguyen-300999697
Hi Kim, thank you for your response. We are glad to hear that you are agree with us. Hopefully, companies especially working in the hospitality industry such as restaurants can finally realized that small thing like plastic straw can make a bad impacts for our society and willing to use an alternative product. We do agree to the idea that the companies can use their eco-friendly products to promote their own businesses.
DeleteThe companies realized that "Green Initiative" is not as irrelevant as it was many years ago. Now it helps to position the company towards its consumers and give them a good impression and also a better reputation. In my personal opinion, they do not care about the environment. The profit still the most important subject to any kind of business. Although, the consumers are more reactive and intolerant nowadays. Mc Donald's suffered a lot of protests around the Globe because of the absence of healthy products on their menu. The company had to think fast to manage the crisis, therefore, fruits and even vegetables were added to the menu. Well-being was only the primary signal of the consumers' power. Green initiatives are on their way to gain more and more space among the customer's will. Also, the social could boost any ideology like no other media platform. Thus, I hope that we keep watching how the capitalism could affect our environment and the World after us. It's time to think wisely and friendly for the next generation.
ReplyDeleteYou are totally right Alex, it is true that companies would do anything if they can get a profit, and nowadays everything that is eco-friendly is a trend, and they are making a profit out of there too, cause, if you want to buy a big amount of paper straws, you will pay a big amount of money.
DeleteIn my opinion, it is always sound decision to switch to using environmentally friendly products not only for large companies and corporations but also for each individual. This helps us protect our living environment, the next generation as well as "our common home". I think that moving to the use of Eco friendly products, specific here is that replacing plastic straws with paper straws or more friendly products has a multi-faceted impact on large companies. As you can see, they are big companies, so their influence is not small. Thanks to their extensive network, each their campaign always receives a lot of attention, even though not their customers . People will come to them through campaigns as well as the messages they convey, which is a very effective way of marketing and promoting their names. They will become more popular and I think this also impacts not small to their revenue. But it is with big companies and corporations so for smaller companies, what will it be like when they want to change as well, but financial and name conditions are not enough to influence?
ReplyDeleteAnnie Phan
Hi Annie, thank you for your response and support. We do agree that it is our decision to use eco-friendly products. Hopefully big companies soon realized this and can make a big difference in the society with their influence. We do think that smaller companies can make a change too by changing their plastic products to eco-friendly products. We do believe that there are many options and also affordable for everyone. There are some campaigns that are willing to sell their eco-friendly products with cheaper price.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFrom my point of view, as more and more people start to concern about the environment and the quality of life, the eco-friendly product and service market has become expanded and a trend. People also tend to choose the product from a company that takes part in socially responsible activities related to environmentally friendly. To be specific, most guests from hotels are welcoming that the new policy for housekeeping to reduce the volume of sheet and amenities changed during their stay. Also, in South Korea, it has been banned to serve a drink in a disposable cup if the customers stay at the cafe from last August to cut massive use of plastic products, then a tumbler sales sharply increased year-on-year in reaction to the law.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it would cost the companies an enormous amount of money to replace or adopt new materials to change their existing products and services, it is worth to try because customers are aware of the companies' positive movement, and then it leads to an increase of sales after all.
You are right Bora, more companies around the world are adopting the Eco-friendly trend and put it into their businesses, this is starting to help our environment and the planet, eco-friendly culture is growing on us and we still have time to save the ecosystem.
DeleteIn my opinion running environmental business helps you to reduce your impact on the environment and preserves natural resources. which will be really benificial for generations.Moreover removing the impact of natural resources on your business improves sustainability.As if firm will less depend on natural resources than our competitors their are chances for long term success because climate conditions will no more able to effect the productivity of the company.
ReplyDeleteHi Sukhwinder, you have a point! we do believe that running environmental businesses can help greatly in reducing our harmful impact in the environment. We also believe that to achieve long term success, we as consumers need to support and promote businesses that is for sustainability and using products locally to help the environment.
DeleteMany people are broken-hearted to witness wild animals being stuck and eventually die because of tiny items considered as the most convenient and harmless products produced by human such as straw, empty bottle, plastic bag... However, through the blog, there is an delighted information that in accordance with hospitality industry, except for only drawing attention to how to spread scope, increase benefit annually, environment protection are currently paid more attention. Calling for reduction of environmental waste as well as invention or application of environmental protection products are absolutely intelligent marketing strategy which brings a range of benefit. In other words, thru the strategy, not only there are more and more people being enhanced knowledge about protecting environment but also the environment is gradually improved. Moreover, reputation of hotel, company, restaurant is more valuable. Customers will be strengthened their confidence to select any product or service of those hotel, company or restaurant. How come? When a hotel put aside profit and also care about global issues, so their product, service aiming to exceed their own guest's expectation completely are entirely possible.
ReplyDeleteHi Linh! We were very sad to see what was the effects of plastic to the sea animals too :( We only hope that everyone can see the reduction of environmental waste as an excellent marketing strategy like you do! You are 100% correct that this type of marketing strategy has many benefits such as less waste, cheaper and better quality. We were so happy to hear how hotels are putting aside their profits and care about global issues as they are one of the many businesses that can influence many people around them.
DeleteIn this blog, you pointed out that several big chain companies are working out to replacing their single-use straws with paper straws. In my perspective, this is a right decision. Although this transition would cost them a huge amount of money, it will bring many good effects not only for their companies but also for the whole society afterward. Since more and more people care about environmental problems, they want to choose product of a company which follow the Eco-friendly trend, which would create a grow of sales for them. Moreover, their big influences make other competitors to think and find more sustainable products which lead to beneficial influences. Finally, big companies’ marketing and promoting about their “green” products, the negative impact of plastic straws to our environment not only attract more attention and generate revenue, but also form human’s awareness of their responsibilities to save the Earth.
ReplyDeleteHello Nam, you are right, it is a right decision. Although it would cost a lot of money for the transition from plastic straws to paper straws there are many big companies that are starting the transition. Paper and alternative straws are not only great for the environment but it is a big impact on the future. If F&B companies start now, it won't be as expensive to do in the future and they will start saving the planet! But you are right, the companies that are promoting and marketing their "green" products and the negative impacts to the environment of plastic straws attracts more attention for human awareness and their responsibilities to save the earth and the future by taking the first step in using/buying alternative on straws.
DeleteI saw some ranting on Instagram the other day with people going on and on angrily about plastic straw bans and how the replacement paper straws cause cancer so they have to bring back the plastic ones. For the vast majority of the population, straws of any kind are superfluous. For the vast majority of the population, they are absolutely not a necessity. We do not have to replace plastic straws with other straws to be able to drink. So why is it that many people who in no way need a straw of any kind, yet still have reusable options available to them, just can't let plastic straws go?
ReplyDeleteNon-plastic straws are not always an alternative for people.
Metal and glass can cause injury, compostable straws and noodles can cause allergic reactions, silicone straws can also cause allergic reactions and may not be sturdy enough
I don’t like straws either but some people NEED them. Plastic isn't some kind of evil material - the problem is in the waste management. Pretty much all inorganic materials are dangerous in the environment so it does not matter if your straw is plastic or metal if you throw it into the ocean. Plastic like any other recyclable material is great if your waste management and recycling infrastructure is working.
Thank you Eva for your response I appreciate your opinion.
DeleteI think plastic straws can be part of a baby step process for our leading companies today.
Yes!, in a larger pictures its not just plastic straws its plastic as a whole that will affect our next generation.
I believe plastic straws cannot be let go the reason is that we look at our "consumers habits". You say that people "Need" them for various reasons for their "own needs" instead of understanding the bigger picture, they grew up in an environment where they don't consciously understand what happens to that straw during that single use.
There are many variations of alternative straws that were not mentioned was Bamboo, and stainless steel options as well.
Smaller neighborhoods and communities are realizing this issue as they don't have the full waste management facility to handle all their garbage.
If you look in a broader perspective garbage waste facilities had to even resort to spending money shipping garbage across the world, which cost our local hotels money in the long run.
From my point of view, plastic straws have been serious influence to our next generation, need us to pay attention to this issue. In this paper, the information tells us that the micro plastic will be absorbed by Marine animals, some of them belong to the food chain, eventually means micro plastic will come into our bodies. The micro plastic the harm of human body is huge, it will affect us for the next generation of children. Second micro plastic impact on Marine life is serious, which may lead to our next generation lost sea, and learn about sea animals can only be seen from books.
ReplyDeleteHi Ning! Yes you're right, plastic straws eventually turn into microplastics which will be absorbed by marine animals belonging to human food chain. Can you imagine having microplastics in your body? That's what we said during presentation, in the future we do not know what kind of diseases we can get from having microplastics in our bodies. This will have huge effect in our health - imagine a pregnant woman eating fish with microplastics - the baby might be affected with this so we don't know what will be the its effect on the baby. Right now, people don't really pay attention to this but for us, we are thinking of all possibilities and as much as possible we want to avoid these negative possibilities - because our children might be included in the people that this will affect.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFrom my point of view, environment is one of the most significant issues that deserves the most attention today. In fact, the environment is seriously polluted by human consciousness. Today, people start to care about the environment, environment protection is a trend. Base on this blog, I think that big chain companies are doing the right thing by transitioning to use of Eco-friendly products. First of all, when companies would like to use the Eco-friendly, they want to show with customers that they are concerned about quality and above all the health of customers. Although this transition will waste lots of money of companies, companies need to do this change to protect their customers. Because the development of a hotel or restaurant depends on their customers. In addition, customers satisfaction will help that company grow stronger. Thanks to that, the company can be known and used by more and more people around the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tiffany for your response. Yes ! In fact eco-friendly products are a huge trend today. I think our large chains can have a balance between using eco-friendly products and still satisfy our customers and also educate them on using sustainable materials and even using local products that can reduce costs for companies in the long run. -Jessica Soo-Chan-
DeleteSince well-known big companies mentioned in this blog such as Starbucks, Hilton, and Marriott have a huge influence on not only the industry that they belong to but also our society, I believe that their active movements for reducing the use of plastic straws will make a positive impact on the environment. In fact, this movement has started to affect even small businesses in the hospitality industry. According to the Orilliamatters.com(2018), the local restaurants and hotels located in Orillia, ON have begun to join the movement to eliminate plastic straws and use eco-friendly straws. Not only that, our familiar restaurant, The Local Cafe and Restaurant also uses metal straws instead of using plastic straws. These examples show that there is definitely a positive influence caused by large corporations’ altered activities. Therefore, even though the companies’ ultimate goal is generating revenue, I strongly support their societal marketing strategy. Additionally, as the blog says, although plastic straws could be just a small part of our lives, we should take excessive use of plastic straws into consideration seriously because they have a direct connection with the destruction of the ecosystem, which means that humans will eventually get affected in negative ways by the indiscriminate use of plastic straws as well. Thus, in order to provide the environment that we enjoy now to the future generation, we should not hesitate to say no to plastic straws.
ReplyDeleteReference:https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/local-restaurants-join-the-movement-to-ban-plastic-straws-976895
Jiwon Choi 300994333
Thank you Jiwon for your in dept response, More and more small and large companies are getting onboard with saying "No to plastic straws." I believe companies are realizing the cost involved in producing so much plastic in our smaller communities they are redirecting their marketing strategies and materials that can be now converted into biodegradable which than doesn't cost companies more money is finding plastic garbage areas and also help our environment at the same time. -Jessica Soo-Chan-
DeleteI totally agree with your researching article. We have to avoid the plastic straw instead of using everyday because it can kill environment as well as human and animal life. I already saw the video the turtle stocked their now with plastic raw and it is so bad feeling when we saw it. In Vietnam. we designed a straw that made by rice and you can eat it after drinking. Indeed, we are spreading out this project and encourage people to use it. Hopefully, this project can come to Canada and all over the world to let people use it instead of plastic straw
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer! Thank you so much for agreeing with our campaign! and Yes, it really gives us a bad feeling and even guilt about the turtle video. We have not heard about the rice straw but I think it 's cool. We also have researched about the pasta straw and avocado straw. I hope these kinds of alternatives will be promoted and become popular as well to save our planet - because it will eventually affect us all.
DeleteIn my opinion, big chain companies are doing the right thing by transitioning to the use of Eco-friendly products, but it is not enough. The use of plastic straws is becoming quite popular in the world. Plastic straws are considered to be the most convenient and safest in catering services. Because it often produced by a variety of different resins, even the waste resin, this product is hard to completely decomposition. Therefore, the habit of using daily plastic suction tubes of billions of people on earth has contributed largely to the 8 million tons of sea waste each year. Not to mention the use of plastic straws also caused serious physical harm when the large portion of the suction pipe was sold on the market, which is clearly unknown origin. This fully arises from the conscious consumer and social responsibility of the people doing business. Thus, we need to limit the use of plastic straws especially in big companies.
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you for your response. We are glad to hear that you are agree with us. People do need to think about it and hopefully it can change their mind. There are many eco-friendly substitute products that can help our world to be better. We do need to limit the use of plastic straws and hopefully we can limit it in everywhere.
DeleteAccording to this blog, you mentioned places where people can grab the alternative straws at stores or online. However, plastic straws are dominant. Because even big companies of food and drink industry such as Mcdonald, Starbucks, Tim Hortons.., they still use the plastic straws. The issue is that it is very easy for everyone to have a plastic straws in markets, convenient stores. While the alternative straws are not completely common to approach to consumers. In this situation, What should people conduct strategies to extend markets of alternative straws in long term.
ReplyDeleteHi Miley, thank you for response and opinion.
DeleteYou are right, there are many companies and restaurants that still use plastic straws such as the big companies like McDonald's, Starbucks and Tim Hortons but there are many other restaurants who are beginning to use paper straws such as A&W, Jack Astor's, The Local Restaurant at Centennial College and Toronto Zoo. Although paper straws and alternative straws are not a common approach to consumers we are hoping that in the future it will be. With paper straws growing within many other companies in the F&B industry, hopefully it will continue to with the bigger companies. We are promoting alternative straws so that we can take the first step to saving the environment and start saying no to plastic straws.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAccording to this blog, As stated plastic is so harmful for living organisms as it is non degradable resource. Plastic straws are so harmful for the aquatic animals as they consume the plastic straws and the plastic straws strucks in their respiratory function which does not allows them to breathe properly which results in blocking their mouth and it results in their death and the plastic is increasing daily and resulting in different types of pollution. This causes deaths of living organisms and harmful for the next generation. SHUBHAM NARULA/300987572
ReplyDeleteThank you Shubham for your response.
DeletePlastic straws are very harmful in our circle of life, our environment, our animals, our water resources, and even ourselves. Companies are now realizing the affects of plastic straws that can affect ALL. The first place who started reducing plastic straws are our local zoos that affect our animals, but now have branched out to huge company chains in various industry including the hospitality industry.- Jessica Soo-Chan-
In my opinion, although the straw is a great invention, which provides a lot of convenience for human beings, It also brings great harm to our living environment and species. In this blog, you pointed out that the many harmful effects of plastic straws. I totally agree with that. Nowadays, We have seen too many news that marine animals have died because of indecomposable substances. This is not their responsibility but they are responsible for such a result. It’s very unfair. As a part of the human beings, it’s time for us to think about the seriously of using the plastic straws. For example, We should reduce the use of disposable items such as straws, plastic bags. In addition, we should actively invent things that can replace these disposable items and actively promote people to use them.
ReplyDeleteHi Yongshan, yes people are used to having straws for our drinks and we can admit it that most of us would really prefer using straws however you are correct that it bring great harm for our environment. The turtle video we showed in class and is present here, in the middle of the video while rescuers try to remove the straw it bled and just imagine how much pain the turtle felt. Imagine how much pain the bird felt with straw struck in its throat? Worst, a lot of marine animals died already. It will soon gonna affect us humans, so we really also hope that more disposable straws will be invented that would be much better than plastic straws.
Deletefrom your blog we get a great knowledge about how these plastic straws are effecting both sea animals and land animals.I think that big companies are doing right thing by transitioning to the Eco-friendly products, but even some of these big companies are not using paper straws or metal straw, if other big companies also start using these it can help to improve environment as these plastic straws take time to get destroyed completely .
ReplyDeletevanshika 30102393
Hi Vanshika, we're glad that our blog gives you a lot information about how plastic straws affect our marine animals. Yes you are correct, companies are using alternatives but there are also others who do not use it. But we think what's important is that these companies started to reduce and ban plastic straws because as you said it takes a very long time to decompose. Maybe it will take some time before all other big companies start to use and promote straw alternatives, with this, people or other customer will also be encouraged to use these alternatives.
DeleteThe plastic straws are using everywhere, but more and more global restaurant juggernaut announce stopping using plastic straws to protect the environment. It is a good change, but plastic straw is only a small part of annual 335 million tons of plastic products. What we should do next is to find a environmental alternative material, and stop using plastic.
ReplyDeleteHi Don! Exactly! Thank you so much for this. That's our goal in the near future hopefully soon. Every little thing counts and hopefully millions of people using straws would end using plastic straws. And while targeting that problem, we can start addressing other plastic material problems as well. Looking for the day everyone would stop using plastics. -Patricia Gaborni
DeleteQ3:-As we know plastic straws are using for drinking but at some point it is harmfull for nature.as per the question there are my various point to say no to plastic straw like ask server to please leave out the straw when they take your drink order and if it they bring you anyway ask them to take it back and let them know why you dont want a straw secondly use the reuseable straws which is come in glass,metal bamboo silicon and other material.buy a couple to keep at home.support or work with organization who are working on initiative to ban plastic straws.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, we are all use to use plastic straws, and big companies are still using but little by little some companies are starting to use eco-friendly alternatives, is good that you think of strategies to use a friendlier alternative.
DeleteAs per my perception, the switch to a plastic straw alternative may take time to implement and get right, there is one thing that any business can do immediately and easily, and that is to put in place a “straws upon request” policy or they can even use steel straw. This will immediately reduce the number of plastic straws in circulation. As an Employee, one can educate staff, hotel guests, and consumers. Even though plastic pollution is in the news now, we can highlight the positive change and encourage participation of people in stopping it. You can even spread the news through social media using hashtags like #StrawsSuck and #TheLastStraw!!
ReplyDeleteRakkhi-301052645
Hi Rakkhi! This is a great concept! Several establishments from the industry have made their policy "upon customer's request" nowadays. But the idea of having plastics straws as a back up once a person has requested a straw means there are still straws available in the establishment. Hopefully, we see ourselves no longer asking for straws. -Patricia Gaborni
DeleteHello. I agree with your blog and article, and it's nice to post that website which we can purchase non-plastic and reusable straws on your blog.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, hotel companies and big chain companies are doing the right thing by transitioning to the use of Eco-friendly products. Using straws is a big issue that we have to pay attention to the future. About one year ago, people around me began to face this problem more deeply as they used the paper straw. Of course, I've known this issue before through articles and news, but what got me interested in was the use of people around me. I think only with such a substantial movement can people better accept the issue and broaden their views on it. That is why I believe that the leading action of large companies helps people recognize the issue and have continued interest. We should reduce straws and lead better ways for the modern and future generations. You may think it's a small thing, but it's already showing severe results. If we don't step up, there will be more and more severe consequences such as environmental pollution, genetic modification, and life span reduction.
Thank you Yejin for your response and agreeing with our blog and article.
DeleteYour right!, I my self have purchased two different kinds of reusable straws from Amazon (Bamboo) and even our local store Bulk Barn (Stainless Steel)
I agree large companies can make a huge impact on our economy and the reduction of plastic straws. It's also a matter of educating this current generation so they can past it down to the next generation. It has severely affect our environmental pollution and we are started to see it in our northern communities where it used to be cold weather all the time and now having drastic temperature changes.-Jessica Soo-Chan
I totally agree with your perspective that plastic straws should not be used anymore, as they cause many adverse impact on our environment. If these straws fall into the drain, they will drift out to the sea. This poses a huge threat to the ocean ecosystem, especially marine creatures that can swallow them. Although they are extremely convenient, the disadvantages they bring out far exceed the advantages. We can prevent this from happening by using straws made from eco-friendly material. For example, in The Local Cafe and Restaurant, stainless steels straws are used instead of plastic. Besides that, many types of straws made from natural materials can decompose themselves or can be eaten. This not only helps protect the environment but also saves a great deal of costs in production and destruction plastic product.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlene! Awesome! Nice to know Centennial College itself starts using alternative straws. At least a small community like our school can contribute a big impact in the environment. Every person counts. -Patricia Gaborni
DeleteThis blog increases my knowledge about disadvantages of using plastic straws. As a result, I am quite scared of these things. I have been trying to read and research as much as I can to know other kinds of straw to use instead of plastic straw. Now, I keen on using paper straw or cups without straw. Moreover, I am going to buy my own inox straw which I can bring and use everywhere. It is more convenient and friendlier with environment.
ReplyDeleteThi Thanh Thu Tran (Alice) 300987300
Hi Alice! Thank you so much. It's good to know we were able to influence you guys to switch to reusable straws. I know it may be a hard transition but it's for the environment and the future generation. There are many alternatives now such as metal straw and paper straws. -Patricia Gaborni
DeleteIn my opinion, I totally agree with your article. The current environment is one of the issues that have received a lot of attention worldwide. Plastic straws in particular and plastic products that are difficult to degrade in general have been causing a significant impact on the environment. This is a global problem. Not only for big companies but also for each of us personally, I think we should be aware of this problem and change with action. Many companies have now changed with environmentally friendly products. This is a positive signal in improving and reducing environmental destruction. At the same time for big companies, avoiding the use of plastic products will create an impact and spread to the community. Protecting the environment not only benefits us now but also avoids the risks for the next generation.
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks for agreeing with our blog post! We are so glad that this particular issue is receiving a lot of attention worldwide and we only hope that with this new found attention, people can finally realize how harmful plastic is in our environment. By starting with reducing the use of plastic straws, we can slowly get to our goal of lessening our plastic waste in the planet.
DeleteIn my opinion we as people have total put such a negative impact on our environment and it's finally nice to see such big companies slowly trying to make a small change in our everyday life style by going with eco-friendly straws. Even though this won't make truly huge impact on the environment after what we put it through it's a nice to start for us to realize how the smallest thing like a straw can cause so much damage to the life around us. I had saw an article about a McDonald in the states that went cold turkey on cutting out the plastic straws in their restaurant awhile back but their down fall with it was they didn't actually had a replaced to the straws and way just saying they don't carry straws anymore. So it amazing to see all these alternative products that they can choice from without having such a lame excuse.
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you for your response. We are happy to know that you support our opinion. We do agree that people need to find alternative products to replace bad things such as plastic straws. Hopefully, in near future, people will start to realized how small thing like straw can make a bad impacts for our world.
DeleteFor question Number 2: As far as I know, it takes about 100-500 years for a straw to be disintegrated. Straw disintegration herein does not mean that straw will be subdivided and transformed to be organic substance. Actually, even more than 500 years passing, straw is just divided into many tiny elements which are not able to dissolve in soil, water…Let image that several contemporary garbage dumps will become aquaculture zones. Then, our future generation will eat maritime products which already absorb more or less these plastic tiny elements. As a result, human body at that time can be get some disease which is impossible to be treated. Therefore, if straw is still continued to be use, the health of our grandchildren will be threatened seriously.
ReplyDeleteHello Linh, you have one of our strongest points, we are really concerned about the future generations, this will affect them really hard, this is why we are trying to get everyone to be aware of this situation, we are gonna eat plastic, the same plastic we are now using.
DeleteIn my opinion, I think that our environment is being threatened by many factors and it's mainly because of human beings. We throw many kinds of trashes into the sea, especially plastic products. We should recognize that our environment is on the verge of the risk and we should tackle this issue as soon as possible. So many big companies are doing the right thing by using environmentally friendly products. It will protect not only our environment but also the next generation.
ReplyDeleteHI Michelle, we agree with you that humans are the main contributor of ocean wastes especially plastic straws. And you are correct with the action that big companies are doing now in reducing and banning the use of plastic straws, with this other big companies and even small companies will do the same which wil really have a huge impact with the reduction of plastic wastes in the ocean.
DeleteIn my opinion, I think the next step of saying no to plastic straws is to use natural-derived straws. Plastic straws have actually died in many places. Instead, hotels and restaurants use other products instead. One of the materials for the most chosen straw is paper. Many brands of restaurants and hotels in the US have selected paper straws that meet FDA standards, can decompose in 30-60 days.
ReplyDeleteSmall businesses and cafes with sustainable development also quickly replaced plastic straws with straws made from bamboo.In addition, large companies that provide catering services will boost the policy of saying no to plastic straws and putting into use straws made from paper or biodegradable materials.
Hi Summer! This is very true. I personally have observed that the industry has started to use alternatives such as A&W and Pizza Pizza. I just hope that chains as big as Mcdonald's will follow this as well as many of the consumers buy from chains as big as this. -Patricia Gaborni
DeleteAt present, most of the alternatives and inventions of plastic straws, such as straws made of paper or wheat, or non-disposable washable straws, are not as convenient as plastic straws themselves. The move itself is environmentally friendly, but there are still accidents that have caused us to use disposable plastic straws. Unless the plastic straw is stopped and replaced with a straw made of environmentally friendly materials, it will still be used. In my opinion, the impact of domestic garbage on marine life is indeed a topic that cannot be ignored. But I think it is more important for this issue how to improve the national classification of waste.
ReplyDeletehetong wang
Hello! Thank you very much for your comment, i agree with you, the garbage that we throw in the ocean is causing much more damage to our environment than only plastic straws, being plastic straws are only one part of the problem. We all should put more attention to what we use.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with your article, but i think we have a plastic problem and it doesn't end with straws. We should create awareness among the masses so letting go of a single piece of plastic could be a first step in a much-needed larger behavior change.
ReplyDeleteShamsher Singh (Sam) 301021453
This is actually a great mindset. One of the things we should do is to eliminate the usage of plastic straws and from there we can also use alternatives in other plastic materials. Hopefully someday, plastics are no longer an option in the market. -Patricia Gaborni
DeleteAccording to my prospective i am crystal clear agree with you that plastic is really bad for our environment not just straw even though the other stuff as well. Moreover, plastic straws are being banned in several countries all around the world, and some companies, such as Starbucks and American Airlines have announced that they will soon stop using plastic straws. Probably plastic straws will be illegal in most of the countries soon, and the plastic straw ban will be raised everywhere.
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for your response and support. We do agree that plastic straws cause big problems for our world nowadays. We hope that the world realized how bad plastic straw is and willing to take an extra step (making it illegal) like you said.
DeleteHi I am Albin Pious.
ReplyDeleteAs per my planned I am completely clear concur with you that plastic is downright terrible for our condition not simply straw despite the fact that the other stuff also. In addition, plastic straws are being restricted in a few nations all around the globe, and a few organizations, for example, Starbucks and American Airlines have declared that they will before long quit utilizing plastic straws. Likely plastic straws will be unlawful in a large portion of the nations soon, and the plastic straw boycott will be raised all over the place.
Hi there! Thank you for understanding our point that plastic is terrible for the environment! We are so glad to hear that businesses are starting to boycott the use of plastic straws and big companies are committing in trying to advertise eco friendly products. This is such a huge step in the right direction and we hope that eventually, all businesses will stop their use of plastic straws in hopes of saving the Earth.
DeleteHi there, I totally agree with the point that use of plastic is very harmful for the environment but it doesn't only relres with straw as somehow it is a bigger problem overall.We can replace plastic straw to reduce the plastic use but somehow we neefnto fully focus on a greater impact of plastic.
ReplyDelete
DeleteHi there! Thank you for your response! You are right that plastic straws are not the only harmful plastic in the world and we should focus on the greater impact of it. However, by starting with plastic straws as it's one of the most used product in the world, we can start from somewhere and eventually hopefully inspire other people to reduce their use of other plastic.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHy,
ReplyDeleteThis is Akshita.
As per my forthcoming I am perfectly clear concur with you that plastic is downright terrible for our condition not simply straw despite the fact that the other stuff also. Also, plastic straws are being restricted in a few nations all around the globe, and a few organizations, for example, Starbucks and American Airlines have reported that they will before long quit utilizing plastic straws. Presumably plastic straws will be unlawful in the vast majority of the nations soon, and the plastic straw boycott will be raised all over.