500 million straws are used and discarded every day in the United States alone. That’s 175 Billion a year filtering into landfills (environment) and littering our waterways and oceans. In Norfolk, the restaurant Press 636 is taking steps to reverse this trend. Owner Kiera Hill told Southside Daily that by only providing plastic straws when requested, coastal communities can significantly reduce the disposal of single use plastic, “Overall, it’s just better for the environment,” said Ms. Hill. “It’s not just the plastic straw, but the sleeve they come in. They’re unnecessary. Coastal restaurants especially should be more mindful of this.”
Plastic straws are dangerous to wildlife. Due to their small size, straws are often mistaken for food by animals and because of their cylindrical shape, straws can cause suffocation and death to the animal.
Should Eastern Shore restaurants ban plastic straws? Given our unique and critical location, as a coastal partner, it seems that local businesses need to be much more environmentally conscious, especially our fast food businesses. Here is a start:
-Provide a straw only when requested by a customer
-Provide either compostable or reusable straws
-Or get rid of straws completely
From London to Miami, restaurants, bars and cities are banning plastic straws voluntarily.
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Not only should Eastern Shore restaurants stop using plastic straws, but all retail stores on the Eastern Shore should stop using plastic bags. I love that most of the shops in Cape Charles use paper bags. Would it be that difficult for Food Lion to do their part in helping keep the Chesapeake Bay clean and safe by using only paper bags (or better yet, provide a small discount to those using reusable bags)?
We need to keep in mind that some people are handicapped and the use of a straw in a restaurant is necessary. I was blindsided recently when going to a local restaurant for the first time with friends and refused ( with an attitude, I must say and I received a lecture.)
the service of a straw.This same establishment could not provide me with a serrated knife either, also a first. I could not pick up their large water glass and my being handicapped was obvious. Not only was it socially embarrassing, but in all my years as a resident, this has never happened anywhere. We are well traveled and again, this was a first. Despite the good food, I will not return. Let’s all not forget the ADA.
Note: Thank you very much for sharing your perspective, we really appreciate it. This is good to know.