No, not the fries either. It's the drink. Note that there is no plastic lid, and no plastic straw with my drink order this time. Here, see?
I have to confess that I used to instinctively reach for a lid and straw when at In-n-Out and places like it. Why not? They're right there, and they're free, right?
Well, actually they may be free but there is a cost to all these straws floating around. It's an environmental cost. All those plastic straws...millions of them...billions most likely...all those straws are one of the biggest sources of plastic pollution in oceans the world over. Not only do they never biodegrade, they also injure, maim and often kill ocean wildlife. I don't want to get overly preachy, but seriously, people, how often do you actually need that straw, and the plastic lid that goes with it? Okay, I'm good with straw use if you have a medical reason, or you're like four years old, but there are good solutions there too -- there are reusable straws made of steel, as well as paper ones like the straws they used at the Rincon Brewing Company up in Carpinteria.
Well, you might say, I need it in the car, so I don't spill. Well, lookie here!
I drove all the way from the In-n-Out in Hollywood toward home, and because the cup fits nicely in my cup-holder, not one drop was spilled. Okay, if you made an emergency stop, maybe you'd get spillage, but I've had that happen even with those lids.
So as somebody who enjoys the ocean whenever possible, I'm asking anybody and everybody who may see this to just think about those plastic straws? Do ya really need it? Really? If you don't, why not pass on it. The oceans, and all the creatures that swim around in them will thank you.
If you want to learn more about plastic straws and ocean pollution just google Plastic Straw Ban. There's tons of information out there.
Okay and thanks for letting me get a little preachy.
