Go Strawless

Did you know that more than 8 million metric tons of plastic are entering our ocean every year? Or that Americans use millions of plastic straws daily?

The #GoStrawless campaign challenges and encourages our Wolfpack community to refuse single-use plastic straws on campus and in their personal lives. This aligns itself to multiple strategic goals and missions of NC State University, including:

Reinforcing UNCGA’s Sustainability Policy that directs universities to develop policies and programs that work towards achieving zero waste
Supporting NC State’s Sustainability Strategic Plan to implement source reduction and environmentally preferable purchasing initiatives to decrease waste before it occurs
Promoting NC State’s Waste Reduction & Recycling’s mission to save economic and environmental resources while creating a shift towards waste consciousness.

Why does the plastic straw matter?

1. Plastic straws are among the top 10 items found during beach cleanups around the world.
2. Every day Americans use enough plastic straws to circle the Earth 2.5 times!
3. Refusing to use a plastic straw is a simple way to make a measurable impact.

Can’t we recycle plastic straws?

No. Plastic straws are not recyclable in North Carolina. Because of their small size, plastic straws either fall through screeners and end up being sent to the landfill or they mix in with other materials in recycling facilities contaminating the loads. Contaminated recycling has lower resale value and can be sent to the landfill.

What about compostable straws?

Compostable straws are a great alternative if they are disposed of on campus using the available compost bins. If they are disposed of in landfill bins, the breakdown process generates harmful environmental effects. WRR’s goal is to move away from all single-use items on campus.

Please remember some people do need straws, including those who have had a stroke, have autism, MS or other life-changing physical issues. Also remember that making the switch to alternative straws (compostable, glass, metal) has an upfront economic cost that some individuals and businesses may need time and resources before making the change.

How to #GoStrawless

1. Stop purchasing plastic straws

2. If straws need to be available, choose alternative straws, such as metal, glass, or compostable

3. Provide straws to customers upon request only

4. Share the #GoStrawless campaign information on this website

1. Pledge to #GoStrawless for a #StrawlessSTATE

2. Bring Your Own! Make the switch to an alternative straw or refuse to use any straw

3. Challenge a friend, family member, classmate, or colleague to join you

4. Request local business to join the movement and #GoStrawless

5. Support local businesses that make the switch to alternative straws and #GoStrawless

1. Tag your social posts with your @Name with #GoStrawless and #StrawlessSTATE

2. Ask your networks to publicly pledge their support to #GoStrawless for a #StrawlessSTATE

3. Share other campaign materials, suchs as:

#StopSucking from the Lonely Whale
The #StrawlessOcean toolkit which helped create our #GoStrawless campaign
#SkipTheStraw
#StrawlessChallenge
#NoPlasticStraws

Scripts for Waitstaff:

“Thanks for joining us today at [name]. Please note that drinks will be served without straws, unless by request. [Name] is committed to reducing our plastic waste for a #strawlessSTATE.”
“[Name] is challenging ourselves and our guests to #GoStrawless for a #StrawlessSTATE. Please let me know though if you require a straw and it will be provided.”
“[Name] is going strawless to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and reduce ocean pollution. Straws are available upon request.”

Scripts for C-Stores and Counter Service Staff:

“[Name] is committed to reducing our plastic waste for a #strawlessSTATE. Straws are available behind the counter at check-out.”
“[Name] cares about our oceans. We are challenging ourselves and our guests to #GoStrawless. Straws are available behind the counter and will be provided upon request.”
“[Name] is going strawless to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and reduce ocean pollution. Straws are available at check-out.”

Please feel free to share printable #GoStrawless flyers as well as these images from #NoPlasticStraws, @kseaturner, and #StrawlessOcean:

1/2