Plastic Straws: Why the Issue Matters
Posted in: Blog by amy on August 7, 2018
Many years ago, while at a friend’s house watching the Bears game on a cold January day, I got into a discussion with some guests about the harmful effects of wood-burning fireplaces. I personally had just learned that the particles in wood smoke can be damaging to people as well as to the environment. So, I was pleased that the host did not make a fire on that snowy day. I also remember feeling grateful for having received that knowledge about burning wood. I never had that information before, but now that I was tuned in, I could make better decisions to protect myself, my loved ones, my pets, my neighbors and my planet. Yet, another guest at the party chimed into our healthy discussion to challenge me. She said with antagonism: “First you stopped eating chicken. Now you won’t burn wood? You still have to live!”
So many emotions rushed through me. Why was I being attacked, I wondered, for simply caring about something? And, did she really believe that our ability to live comfortably was being challenged by an individual’s concern? Now, this was many years ago; however, I remember the feeling I had during that conversation more than I remember the football game or any other details about the day. I felt slightly helpless and hopeless, besides feeling irritated. Why would someone want to criticize me for sharing knowledge about something that is harmful? Why would she argue with me for simply caring? And did my concern make her feel threatened somehow?
That slew of emotions resurfaced as a result of my recent involvement in the restaurant industry. I’ve watched many customers flippantly toss their bottles and cans into the garbage can. And, many grab bunches of plastic stra
ws and utensils that they end up not even needing. First, I’m not happy that we distribute plastic straws, and I’m fighting to change that right now. Paper straws and bamboo utensils are considerably more expensive and are hard to find, but we know it will be a worthwhile change. We will get there. Second, I am sad that people don’t take the extra minute to look for a recycling bin or that they think it’s silly that we try to discourage the use of straws.
Today, a friend said to me: “Relax about the straws. There were more than 50 shootings in Chicago this weekend.” Just like that, the emotions I experienced years ago during the football game now filled the air around me. I was being criticized again for caring! I was being told that I’m a bit silly to worry about straws when so many innocent people are being shot daily. I immediately challenged the validity of that argument. Really? Can we only care about one issue, and today that issue is crime in Chicago? Of course that’s not the case! We humans have the ability to care about everything from the health of our oceans to animal abuse to burning wood to the importance of standardized testing for students. We can worry about all of that. We can attempt to impact all of that. We can CARE about all of that.
My grandma used to give $5 to literally hundreds of charities. I once asked her why she gave such a small amount to so many places, and she told me it was simply so that they felt supported. She did what she could do to show that someone out there cared. I loved that lesson she taught me: Care. And care about a lot. Be passionate. About a lot.
I’m not perfect. I’m far from it. You’ll still catch me occasionally using a straw. You’ll still see me eating some animals. Yeah, I’ve got a long way to go. But, I’m proud of the changes I have made to my diet. And, I’m proud of the fact that I have greatly lessened my use of plastic straws and plastic utensils and plastic water bottles. My singular actions and minor changes may similarly equate to my grandma’s $5 donation: It’s nothing grand. My footprint alone will not change the future for my children. But, it reminds me that I do care and that I want this planet to be in better condition than it is now.
So, the next time someone tells you that they don’t burn firewood or that they don’t use plastic straws, don’t get defensive and try to knock them down for whatever effort they are making. Instead, look at yourself and learn from another’s example. Get motivated to make small changes. You have nothing to lose, and we and our planet have everything to gain! Also, if you visit Deerfield’s newest taqueria, try to skip the lid and the straw. Why not? Baby steps. They lead to really big, beautiful, clean, healthy places.
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