Cruising & Our Environment

Wow! A plethora of drinking straws! Who knew? 

Options. These days we have drinking straw options. 

We cruise. We sell Cruises. Obviously there are many, many people that we know who cruise too. Thousands. Seriously, we know thousands of people who cruise and who love the sea and the beach. Plastic is a bad situation for ocean life. It gets wrapped around the necks and bodies of beautiful sea creatures. Hey, I wouldn’t want to have to endure that, I am sure they don’t want to either. 

Why are there people who love to cruise that are balking at the idea of paper straws then? 

Well, while you might think that they are not the absolute best option for your frozen foo-foo drink, it beats the alternative. And, for those who think they are ‘in the know’, maybe they really just need some sold facts to form a logical decision. So, I did some research. Disney Animal Kingdom uses paper straws made by Aardvark – The Original Paper Straw. I don’t think these are your old fashioned school milk straws. Have an open mind. Understand that sea life is being harmed because of non- recycled plastic straws, and YOU have the power to make a difference!

On the Aardvark® website it says that these “Next-Generation of Paper Straws” are made from thick paper, then coated to protect them from liquid. Aardvark® straws are made from FDA food grade materials and that they are biodegradable, compostable and made in the USA. There are many to choose from! The “Giant Straw” for blended drinks and smoothies, and the “Cocktail Straw” for lowball glasses and short cocktails. There are “jumbo Straws” for water, soda/pop, tea and iced coffee, and the “Colossal Straw” for shakes and Icees. Then of course, there is the “Bar Stir”, a sip stick/cocktail stirrer and this is NOT for coffee stirring folks! Wow, in 2014 they introduced the “Edo-Flex®” straw! Young and old alike, we all love flexee straws, admit it. The straws come in a rainbow of colors and patterns…they can be whimsical or sophisticated.

 

 

If you can’t get past believing that you are going to relive kindergarten if you use a paper straw, then seek out another option. Maybe a stainless steel straw, or maybe a reusable plastic straw. Some good soap and hot water can clean those right out while you are on your cruise. Plus, wow, think about what a conversation piece that could be!

 

Check out this, “Did You Know”!

 

Whatever you do. Have an open mind. Remember, you have the power to help save sea life.