Every day, 500 million plastic straws are thrown away in the United States alone. Straws are not recyclable, contain harmful BPA, and massive amounts end up in our oceans. They contaminate water, marine life, human life, and jeopardize our very food systems on catastrophic levels.

It’s estimated that more than 5 trillion plastic pieces weighing over 250,000 tons are afloat at sea. Studies show that nearly all the words seabirds, and half the world’s sea turtles have ingested plastic. In fact, it’s projected that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans.

We also understand that pollution in water supplies -- from Standing Rock, to the BP Oil Spill to New Orleans’ “Cancer Alley” -- directly impacts low income communities the hardest. This is why we must shift away from the disposable economy powered by fossil fuels, and into the green economy. We must use this momentum to create opportunities for everyone to succeed, while recognizing that there is no such thing as garbage -- just resources out of place.

Our company believes reusable drinking straws not only literally help eliminate plastic pollution, but also empower the public to take a “first step” in elevating our cultural consciousness away from plastic. We’re not alone! Our cause is finally trending as corporations and governments move to eliminate plastic straws.

Steel Straw is a proud member of 1% for the Planet. A global network of businesses, nonprofits and individuals working together for a healthy planet.