For too long now, we humans have been sipping through a cylindrical straw without realizing the impact it has on the world. The ocean, in particular, will be thankful for Skip The Straw Day. On the fourth Friday in February, we’re all encouraged to leave that straw when we don’t need it and go without for the sake of the Earth.

What Is Skip The Straw Day?

The day itself was born in 2017 when a group of teen activists named the Coral Keepers took a stand. As concerned high school students from Whitehall, Michigan, the news of our impact on the world had taken its toll to the point where enough was enough. The straw was originally made from Manila paper when Marvin Stone got fed up with using a grass straw in 1888.

Since then, single-use plastic has gone through the roof to the point where, in the 1960s, the straw became plastic, and the rest is unfortunate history. It takes over 200 years for a plastic straw to decompose, which is why so many remain a thorn in the side of ocean activists. Cardboard straws are becoming a more common sight, and although this is a step in the right direction, there are still too many using plastic.

How To Observe Skip The Straw Day?

The easiest way is to say no to plastic straws, and not just on the last Friday of February. This date can be a good time to spread the word, but removing plastic straws from your shopping list is a positive change.

Use the hashtag #SkipTheStrawDay to spread the word and help others observe the day. We all want to avoid a repeat of the footage from 2015 when a turtle had to have a plastic straw removed from its nostril. On the last Friday in February, let’s all skip the straw.