Stop Shaming People For Using Plastic Straws

By: Anthony Belinfante
I believe that it is time to stop shaming others for using plastic straws. Why is it that the Kardashians can jump on a private jet and burn an immense amount of fuel, but I can’t use a straw when I go to a restaurant? While plastic straws may be a growing issue that is affecting our environment, it is not realistic to believe that by eliminating them, all of the damage we have done to the earth will just magically go away. There are many steps we must take in order to refurbish our earth and make it a greener and healthier place. But to shame others for using a product that has been around for centuries will not change anything.

I first noticed a shift in plastic straw usage a few months ago on campus. I was still using them, and did not think much of it. It wasn’t until a friend of mine called me out at a restaurant for using it. Using plastic straws at restaurants is something that I have always done. Maybe it’s a sanitation thing, but I almost never put my lips on a cup provided by a restaurant unless it comes with a lid. So when my friend practically shamed me for using a straw, I was taken aback.

I was called out again for using a straw at the Starbucks on campus. An employee said to me “so you don’t care about the turtles?” when I asked for a straw. If you are providing the straws, why am I being called out for using one? The employee was referring to straws being unable to decompose, meaning sea animals can get ahold of them and cause harm to themselves. Obviously I don’t want turtles to be killed, but to address the situation like that was not the way to go. In fact, it came across as rude. Educate me instead of shaming me. Also, stop producing plastic straws if you have such a problem with them. While it is important that we make a change in the attempt at saving our seemingly dying planet, it is important that we work from all angles in making sure we are doing everything we can do. Focusing on straws is not going to change the fact that the natural disasters we’re currently facing are much worse compared to years prior. Everyone is taking precaution in making the world a better place, so don’t shame them because they’re not doing exactly what you are.