Last week I was out to dinner with three other people. Drinks were served and straws were not offered. Two of my fellow diners requested straws. For the sake of conversation, I said, “you know that straws are so 2017, right?”
In the interest of not selling anyone out, my fellow diners will remain nameless. Let’s just say, they were close enough that I felt my comment would be taken in the light-hearted vein it was intended. I’m all for respecting many sides of an argument.
My statement was met with, “I know, but I prefer a straw for hygienic reasons.” I legitimately appreciated that. I have also thought about how many lips come across restaurant glassware. I’ve further wondered how well those glasses are cleaned. Yuck, I hate overthinking stuff like this!
Just My Opinion
My opinion on straws is this – I can do without them. Not necessarily for environmental reasons, rather, they are simply not a necessity. If the cleanliness of a restaurant glass is a concern, I can always take my napkin and give the rim a good wipe down before my first sip.
Honestly, I’m not sure if the hype about plastic straws and their detriment to the world’s oceanic well-being is a bit overstated. God knows, it’s hardly a new story if it’s not delivered in an annoyingly overdramatic, life-threatening way. But, as for straws I don’t mind skipping them if, in some small way, it might help. California has now officially banned plastic straws from being served at restaurants. Patrons must ask for one and only then shall they receive. I can only imagine the judgement thrown out to anyone daring to ask would be enough to make anyone think twice.
Even though I like the smooth and steady feeling of drinking from a straw, I have also come to avoid them because I once read the pursing of lips when sipping on a straw can contribute to those unsightly vertical lines around your mouth. I already feel old enough, if I can avoid something that adds to an aged look I, by golly, will take the pass.
I know that giving up straws alone won’t solve the world’s pollution problems, but I’m happy to take this step toward an Earth-friendly lifestyle and maybe a smoother smile. If even one sweet turtle can be saved, I will do my part. If ever I am desperate for a straw, I guess I’ll go the reusable metal or glass route.
More on the Subject
Check out this Business Insider article for more about the demise of plastic straws.
What do you think about the use or ban of straws?
As a former professional dishwasher, I can assure you that glasses washed in commercial dishwashers in restraunts are cleaner than those washed at home, 90% of the time.
Here’s another example of a very effective campaign designed to make “us” all feel good, that we are doing something to save the earth when it fact it doesn’t even begin to put a dent in our environmental issues. A straw is something most of us could do without anyway, no real hardship. When I saw Tom Brady’s post, I asked a good friend that’s an environmental engineer, “what’s up with the straw controversy? “. He told me when you are at a restaurant that doesn’t use straws anymore, ask them if they dump their trash directly into the ocean,… Read more »
Great point Jen on the issue being how we handle our waste. Why is it ending up in the ocean in the first place? So much to be done in so many ways!!