We are used to sipping on a lemonade or cocktail through a straw, and playing with it between our fingers; however, after our drinks are finished, this little plastic accessory lands in the bin after being used for just a few minutes, and then it takes up to 200 years to decompose. Hungarian organization Felelős Gasztohős launched a monthlong mission with a worthy cause, encouraging everyone to stop using straws in August. Several Budapest bars and pubs already joined this inspiring initiative, only putting straws in drinks when they are specifically requested.
“Did you notice that you automatically get a straw in your drink at almost every bar and pub? But where does this short-lived luxury item go afterwards? In better cases, it goes to a landfill or gets recycled, but unfortunately it often ends up in seas, oceans, and lakes, causing severe damage and endangering animals. According to The Washington Post, 500 million straws are used up daily in America alone; this many straws can be wrapped around the globe two and a half times,” says the organization drawing attention to this often overlooked issue of environmental pollution, encouraging everyone to stop using straws for a month. Several Budapest hangouts already joined this mission, such as Larus Restaurant, Doblo Wine & Bar, Kőleves, Törökméz, Szimpla Háztáji, Hatpttyös Étterem, Reggeli Mártogatós, Pántlika, Funky Pho, Czakó Kert, and Pohárszék Wine & Café.
Furthermore, if you take a photo of your strawless drink and use the “#szívószálmentes” hashtag (meaning: “strawless”) on Instagram or Facebook, you have a chance to win an awesome prize – but regardless, the smile that you get from Mother Earth every time you sip without a straw is its own reward.
