National Skip the Straw Day
National Skip the Straw Day is an environmental awareness day dedicated to encouraging people to give up single-use plastic straws and consider eco-friendly alternatives or no straws at all. The initiative aims to reduce plastic pollution and protect marine life from the harmful effects of plastic waste.
Quick Facts
When is it: Fourth Friday in February
Tagged as: Environment & Conservation, Food & Drink
What’s the hashtag: #SkipTheStraw
When was it founded: February 8, 2017
Who founded it: The Coral Keepers (a group of eighth-grade students) and Susan Tate at Whitehall Middle School, Michigan
History of Skip the Straw Day
The day originated when a group of environmentally conscious students called the Coral Keepers participated in the Lexus Eco Challenge. After watching a viral video of a sea turtle with a straw stuck in its nose, they were inspired to create this awareness day. Their initiative won them the grand prize of $30,000 and sparked a global movement against plastic straw usage.
Timeline
- 1888: Marvin Stone patents the first paper straw
- 2009: 9-year-old Milo Cress starts the Be Straw Free campaign
- 2015: Viral video shows sea turtle with straw in its nostril
- 2017: First National Skip the Straw Day established
- 2019: Major corporations begin banning plastic straws
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 23 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 28 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 27 | Friday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by refusing straws at restaurants, using eco-friendly alternatives, organizing beach cleanups, and sharing their straw-free beverage photos on social media. Many restaurants and businesses participate by offering sustainable alternatives or going straw-free for the day.
Fun Facts About Straws
- Americans use approximately 500 million straws daily
- Ancient Sumerians used straws made from precious metals to drink beer day
- The first straws were made from ryegrass
- Plastic straws can take up to 200 years to decompose
- Straws are among the top 10 items found in beach cleanups
Quiz
- How many straws do Americans use daily?
- Who invented the paper straw?
- In which year was Skip the Straw Day founded?
-(Answers: 500 million, Marvin Stone, 2017)
FAQs
- Can I still use straws if I need them for medical reasons?
Yes, alternative options like reusable or paper straws are available. - What are good alternatives to plastic straws?
Metal, glass, bamboo, paper, or silicone straws.
Related
- World Ocean Day
- Earth Day
- Plastic Free July
- Zero Waste Day
- World Environment Day