National Skip The Straw Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 10, 2022
Fact-checked by Naman Khanna
National Skip The Straw Day is used to note the harmful effects of plastic.
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Age: 0-99
Read time: 3.6 Min

Where is National Skip The Straw Day observed?

National Skip The Straw Day is an important event dedicated to doing away with plastic straws and switching to biodegradable alternatives in light of all the litter they create. This day is observed in various states within the U.S.

Who is National Skip The Straw Day observed by?

This day is observed by various organizations that work for the reduction of plastic pollution, including Coral Keepers, the founders of this day. Additionally, it is also observed by those who raise awareness about saving marine life, along with the environmentally-conscious general public.

When did National Skip The Straw Day first start?

This important day was started in the year 2017. Ever since, it has been annually held on the fourth Friday of every February to spread awareness about how plastic straw use is causing destruction of the environment, especially in the ocean.

Who started National Skip The Straw Day?

National Skip The Straw Day was established by a few student activists who formed a group called the 'Coral Keepers'. They were further guided and supported by their advisor, Susan Tate.

Plastic waste is toxic.

History And Timeline

From the invention of straws to the activism against using plastic straws, there are a number of events that have occurred in between. Continue reading to learn more!

First Modern Straw Patented

A man by the name of Marvin Stone patented the first modern straw. However, his invented straw was made out of paper.

1888

The Bendy Straw Invented

Joseph Friedman invented the popular bendy straw, which had articulations on its upper half, allowing the straw a degree of flexibility.

1937

Rise Of Plastic Straws

After the end of WWII, plastic straws became increasingly popular in the market, as plastic was quite inexpensive and easily available.

Post-1945

Plastic Straws Endanger Turtles

In a viral video, Christine Figgener, a marine biologist, along with her colleagues, was seen removing an entire plastic straw from the nostril of a sea turtle. This further proved the ill effects of plastic straws.

2015

National Skip The Straw Day

A group of student activists established this day in order to reduce the use of plastic straws and thereby, reduce plastic litter.

2017

Traditions And Customs

Several organizations, or even regular groups of people, arrange a trash-picking event on this day to get rid of plastic waste. Many restaurants and organizations across the country also take part by switching from harmful plastics to eco-friendly and disposable alternatives, like bamboo straws, paper straws, or even glass straws.

Ways To Observe National Skip The Straw Day

The best way to observe this day is by avoiding using plastic straws, and resorting to biodegradable and healthy options, like paper straws. You can also use this day to educate yourself and your loved ones about the disadvantages of plastic and how it is not renewable and negatively affects marine life, especially sea turtles.

Facts And Stats

  • National Skip The Straw Day is held throughout the country of the United States of America.
  • This day was started in the year 2017 to promote other ways of drinking beverages, instead of through the use of plastic straws.
  • National Skip The Straw Day is observed every year on the fourth Friday of February.

How many straws go into the ocean each day?

In the U.S., nearly 50 million plastic straws make their way into the ocean each day.

What is wrong with plastic straws?

Plastic straws are not biodegradable. Rather, they break up into microplastic particles that cause immense harm to marine life. Additionally, these plastics can be consumed as food by fish, which eventually ends up in our diet.

How do you stop using plastic straws?

The best way to stop using plastic straws is by using renewable straws, like those made from paper and glass.

Why you should stop using plastic straws?

Plastic straws cause immense harm to the environment and therefore should not be used.

Who influenced National Skip The Straw Day?

National Skip The Straw Day was invented by of a group of student activists who are affiliated with 'Coral Keepers'.

What are some disadvantages of National Skip The Straw Day?

One disadvantage of observing this day is that not everyone has access to paper or glass straws that will enable them to participate.

Why are kids so excited for National Skip The Straw Day?

Kids are excited about this day because they get to learn about the ill effects of plastics. Additionally, kids are introduced to different disposable straws by their parents on this day, and that can be quite fun.

What is the importance of National Skip The Straw Day?

This day is observed to encourage people to get rid of harmful plastic straws and switch to something disposable and sustainable in order to drink beverages. Hence, this day is quite important for the environment.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, February 28, 2020
  • Friday, February 26, 2021
  • Friday, February 25, 2022
  • Friday, February 24, 2023
  • Friday, February 23, 2024

United States

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Naman Khanna

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Naman Khanna picture

Naman KhannaBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

An English literature graduate from Delhi University, Naman's broad interests include mathematics, science, and social science. With his knowledge and expertise in multiple subjects, he is an asset to our fact-checking team. Naman is set to pursue his postgraduate degree in English literature soon.

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