Single-use plastic straws are a source of chronic litter and contamination of the beaches and waterways. The average plastic straw is estimated to be used for only 15 minutes before being discarded and takes approximately 200 years to decompose. It is amongst the top 10 items that are collected annually during the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup event. During the one day event in 2016, volunteers collected almost half a million plastic straws from Miami-Dade County alone.
What are some alternatives to plastic straws?
- Strawless – Most of the time, straws aren’t necessary. It’s just a matter of breaking a habit. Afterall, it’s one less thing for you and the environment to think about.
- Paper – This straw material is typically made of 100% paper and highly biodegradable.
- Bagasse – Bagasse straws are lightweight, made of sugarcane stalks, and fully biodegradable – now that’s sweet!
- Bamboo – Straws made out of all-natural bamboo are a lightweight and great reusable alternative. Bamboo is a highly renewable resource. Be sure to choose sustainably sourced bamboo.
- Metal Straws – Metal straws can be made of aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. They are durable and great alternative to single-use plastic straws since they are reusable.Many of these straws are made from high-quality metals and have brushes available for easy cleaning.
Plastic water bottles are one of the commonly found items within our streets and our stormwater system!
Our high quality tap water is a great reason to break up with single-use plastic water bottles. If you already own a water bottle, stop by any of our water bottle refill stations to get a taste of great Everglades grown tap water!
What are some plastic free water bottle alternatives?
- Stainless Steel – It’s very easy to get fancy with your stainless steel water bottle! This alternative is normally BPA (Bisphenol A) free and there are options such as a vacuum sealing, insulation, and the incredible ability to regulate temperature. Some brands are even capable of keeping your drink cold for 24 hours or tea hot for 12 hours.
- Glass – This alternative brings a touch of elegance to your hydration habits. Many glass bottles are highly reusable, BPA free, dishwasher safe, and don’t alter the taste of your drinking like many plastics do.
Did you know that plastic coffee cups are not recyclable? Whether they’re plastic coffee cups or smoothie cups, they’re not accepted at most recycling facilities in South Florida. Additionally, paper coffee cups often have a plastic lining (PLA or Polylactic acid) on the inside which keeps coffee cups from fully biodegrading. Unfortunately, coffee cups without the PLA lining are difficult to locate. Consider going reusable to help avoid this issue or choose one of the alternatives below to reduce your impact on the environment. By doing so, you can help make a dent in the estimated 58 million disposable coffee cups that Americans throw away every year.
What are some plastic free cup alternatives?
- Reusable – There’s nothing better than a reusable coffee cup. These alternatives can include options such as stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and even porcelain. The options are nearly endless.
- Paper – This is the most commonly used material for single use coffee cups. Be sure to choose a style that does not have the PLA lining.
- Bagasse – An excellent replacement for plastic or paper cups, made from sugarcane fiber . Bagasse is the fibrous waste left over after extraction of the sugar from the sugarcane.
Plastic Free NBV
