One Pina Colada, hold the umbrella…
April 3, 2011 —
Prior to our departure for spring break in Jamaica, my friend's mom offered this advice, "Don't leave the resort" and "Have a drink with an umbrella for me." Simple enough, no?
But while that cool fruity drink with its umbrella and pineapple garnish can really add to any beach going experience, it can have some serious unsuspected negative effects. No, I'm not talking about all that rum. The real culprit? The plastic straw.
Our all inclusive resort provided us with plastic cup after plastic cup of delicious island beverages. And what did you do after you were finished? Left the cup in the sand by your lounge chair and got another. The resort had staff walking around collecting the cups, but it could be hours and a sweeping high tide before that happened which meant, if not your cup, then definitely your straw got washed away.
Any part of that drink can become damaging marine debris: the straw, umbrella, pineapple rind garnish, even the coconut shell cup.
Last year Ocean Conservancy hosted the 25th annual International Coastal Cleanup, where volunteers around the world removed debris from their local beaches and waterways. Recreational shoreline activities contribute all sorts of marine debris. During only one day of worldwide cleanup, 101,830 toys were collected, more than 40,000 six pack holders, and over 75,000 balloons. Plastic straws rang in at 433,376.
In the 25 years of the International Coastal Cleanup, plastic straws ranked number 9 in the top 10 items, totaling 6,263,453 plastic straws.
Along with all other plastic items, straws face photodegradation in the ocean. Sunlight breaks down the plastic into smaller and more toxic particles, making it easier for animals to ingest and harder for us to clean up.
So next time you enjoy a tropical beverage, try a reusable cup and hold the straw and inedible garnish. I promise, it will still taste good.