A Little Activism for a Great Reward
| April 17, 2011 | Posted by Lisa Sharp under Earth Day, Giveaway, Green Living |
Often we just think of the big things when look to make a difference. However, the small things do add up. One of those items are plastic straws. Americans throw away 138 billion straws and coffee stirrers each year! That’s a lot of plastic.
There is an easy solution. If you have read my blog very long or know me in person, you know that one of my favorite green products are glass straws from Glass Dharma. These straws can eliminate your need for straws and stirrers. Glass Dharma even has great carrying cases so you can easy take them with you. Unfortunately even if you have your own straw it’s hard to avoid them. Many restaurants put straws in your drink without asking you so you have to remember to ask for no straw. Even when you do ask for no straw you still may end up with one.
Glass Dharma is trying to help stop this problem by encouraging all of us to write letters to our favorite restaurants and ask them to stop giving out straws. While we would love for them to offer glass straws, it would also be a great step if restaurants would use non-plastic biodegradable paper straws or at least always ask before giving a straw.
While often activism’s only reward is a job well done but not this time! Glass Dharma is “willing to put free glass straws where your lips are”, they will give you a free straw for each letter you send, up to five straws (each letter to different restaurants of course). This offer is good through April 30th, 2011. If that wasn’t enough you will also be entered into a drawing and one lucky winner will get a $100.00 gift certificate for Glass Dharma. Entries must be received before the end of the day on April 30th, 2011. The drawing will be held on May 4th, 2011.
As always there are some rules:
- Write a letter (must be snail mail, emails don’t count. Glass Dharma feels this will have more of an impact) to a restaurant, it’s best if it’s one you frequent and have seen them give out unwrapped straws automatically. (You can find a great sample of a letter below, Beth Terry wrote this letter, be sure to personalize it)
- Post your letter in a comment on this blog. Include the address of the restaurant in case others wish to write to the same restaurant, we can save each other a little time. (Please delete your personal contact information)
- Send your letter via email to Glass Dharma at earthday@glassdharma.com and be sure to include the contact information for the restaurant as well as your personal contact information. They will need your contact information to send you your free straw(s). The contact information Glass Dharma needs is your name, mailing address and email address.
- Also there are several bloggers participating in this initiative but you can only win five straws total.
- We would love to see letters from all countries but participants from the USA and Canada are the only ones that will be eligible for the free straws. Feel free to post your letters even if you can’t get a straw (no need to email them to Glass Dharma though).
Sample Letter
Your Name
Address
Address
Email
April 15, 2011
Restaurant Name
Address
Addres
Email
Dear ________:
As a long-time customer, I not only appreciate your food but also the fact that it is served on beautiful, durable dishes, with real flatware and glasses. I know that when I eat at your place, I’ll have a waste-free meal — except for one thing: the disposable plastic straws. I don’t need or want one. But unless I ask the server ahead of time not to bring me one, they stick a straw in my drink automatically, generating plastic waste that will last for thousands of years.
In honor of Earth Day, I am writing to ask you to change your plastic straw policy.
1) First, please train your servers to ask customers if they want a straw instead of automatically giving them one. Some people don’t like straws and will appreciate being asked. All others will get a chance to stop and think about whether they actually need this disposable plastic item in the first place. It’s like grocery stores training their employees to ask whether customers want a bag.
2) Second, I would love it if you’d switch to paper straws for those customers who request one. Yes, they are still disposable, but at least they are compostable and will not last in the environment, potentially harming wildlife. One company that offers paper straws is Aardvark (http://www.aardvarkstraws.com).
3) And third, please consider participating in an upgrade program, offering customers the opportunity to pay extra for their meal and receive a reusable straw to carry with them. I have been carrying a glass straw from a company called Glass Dharma for the past few years so that I don’t have to waste plastic. On their web site, they describe the Menu Upgrade program for restaurants (http://glassdharma.blogspot.com/2010/11/whats-on-menu.html), which I think is a great idea.
Please respond and let me know which steps you are willing to take. I do appreciate your restaurant and good food.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Disclaimer: This initiative is hosted by Glass Dharma. I’m not being paid to be apart of it. Glass Dharma is however one of my advertisers. This does not effect my view of them or their products.
Plastic Straw Photo credit: nist6ss
Applebee's Services, Inc.
11201 Renner Blvd.
Lenexa, KS 66219
Dear Restaurant Representative,
I would like you to know that I love frequenting your establishment and enjoy the food and service. Your restaurant is a favorite meeting and dining place for my friends and family as well.
It has come to my attention that our planet is in crisis. Our collective habits of wastefulness are having apparent impact on the well being of our environment. We are all in this together! What each of us does will make a difference. Our recent love affair with convenience and single use plastics has brought us to the point where we now know that there is a price to pay.
I would like to address the amounts of trash being generated by restaurants in general, specifically, straw trash. I wonder how many straws are used in your Restaurants? There are many who like to refuse a straw in their drink, only to have it brought to them anyway. My guess is the un-used straw ends up in the waste bins along with other straw trash.
I wonder, If each customer had the choice to refuse/request the addition of a straw to their beverage, would your straw supply be reduced?
If drink options included a choice of an “upgrade” including a reusable straw for the customer to keep, might it reduce single-use straw trash?
If it became normal for a customer to bring their own reusable straw, would the number of straws you supply change?
And finally, if single use straws are the desired method of serving drinks, have you considered alternatives to plastic straws? A simple choice of paper straws over plastic straws would reduce waste that cannot break down and forever pollutes.
Many restaurants are now “pioneering” the idea to reduce their waste, a trend that improves our environment. This trend sets and example for other businesses and each of us, your customers.
I hope that we will all be thinking about how our actions bring us consequences in the years to come. We all have the option to choose re-usable vs. “disposable”. I would love to see more restaurants like yours lead the way into a future that holds promise for humankind and the generations to come.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Newcomb
I love the sample letter-thank you! What a great initiative. I have been trying to refuse straws for a while-my kids however can't drink w/o one! What to do???
Great Giveaway!
Here's a copy of my letter!
Purdum Restaurant Group
Corporate Office
1331 Walcutt Road
Columbus, OH 43228
Dear Purdum Restaurant Group:
As a long-time customer of The Old Bag of Nails, I not only appreciate your food but also the fact that it is served on beautiful, durable dishes, with real flatware and glasses. I know that when I eat at your place, I’ll have a waste-free meal — except for one thing: the disposable plastic straws. I don’t need or want one. But unless I ask the server ahead of time not to bring me one, they stick a straw in my drink automatically, generating plastic waste that will last for thousands of years.
In honor of Earth Day, I am writing to ask you to change your plastic straw policy.
1) First, please train your servers to ask customers if they want a straw instead of automatically giving them one. Some people don’t like straws and will appreciate being asked. All others will get a chance to stop and think about whether they actually need this disposable plastic item in the first place. It’s like grocery stores training their employees to ask whether customers want a bag.
2) Second, I would love it if you’d switch to paper straws for those customers who request one. Yes, they are still disposable, but at least they are compostable and will not last in the environment, potentially harming wildlife. One company that offers paper straws is Aardvark (http://www.aardvarkstraws.com).
3) And third, please consider participating in an upgrade program, offering customers the opportunity to pay extra for their meal and receive a reusable straw to carry with them. I have been carrying a glass straw from a company called Glass Dharma for the past few years so that I don’t have to waste plastic. On their web site, they describe the Menu Upgrade program for restaurants (http://glassdharma.blogspot.com/2010/11/whats-on-menu.html), which I think is a great idea.
Please respond and let me know which steps you are willing to take. I do appreciate your restaurant and thank you for allowing my dog to enjoy dinner with us on the deck of the Gahanna Old Bag of Nail in the summertime. It’s our favorite end to a summer walk at Creekside.
Sincerely,
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
April 29, 2011
MannaJava World Café
Roshek Building
700 Locust St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear MannaJava Manager:
I have really enjoyed MannaJava in the Roshek Building. I enjoy your meals and lovely coffees. I appreciate your beautiful window seats and durable dishes. I appreciate your commitment to serving the downtown area. The meals at MannaJava are delicious and virtually waste free. This is except for one thing: disposable plastic straws. I appreciate that I have the choice of whether to take one but each straw is generating plastic waste that will last for thousands of years. In honor of Earth Day, I am writing to ask you to consider changing your straw policy.
I would love it if you would switch to paper straws for customers who want one. Yes, they are still disposable, but at least they are compostable and will not last in the environment, potentially harming wildlife. One company that offers paper straws is Aardvark (http://www.aardvarkstraws.com)
You may also want to consider participating in an upgrade program, offering customers the opportunity to pay extra for their meal and receive a reusable straw to carry with them. I have been carrying a glass straw from a company called Glass Dharma for the past few years so that I don’t have to waste plastic. On their web site, they describe the Menu Upgrade program for restaurants (http://glassdharma.blogspot.com/2010/11/whats-on-menu.html), which I think is a great idea.
I’d love to hear more about sustainability efforts in the future at MannaJava. I do appreciate your restaurant and good food.
Sincerely,
Jessica Schreyer
April 29, 2011
Naughty Dog Coffee Bar and Deli
1108 Locust Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Naughty Dog Coffee Bar and Deli Manager:
I have really enjoyed the addition of the Naughty Dog to the downtown eating selections. I frequently visit, and really enjoy the beautifully rehabilitated building, as well as your beautiful and durable dishes. From the renovation of the building, it is clear you appreciate taking care of the neighborhoods and environment in Dubuque. I love that you help people enjoy the atmosphere while also taking care of our loving animal companions. I know the meals at Naughty Dog are yummy and virtually waste free. This is except for one thing: disposable plastic straws. I appreciate that I have the choice of whether to take one but each straw is generating plastic waste that will last for thousands of years. In honor of Earth Day, I am writing to ask you to consider changing your straw policy.
I would love it if you would switch to paper straws for customers who want one. Yes, they are still disposable, but at least they are compostable and will not last in the environment, potentially harming wildlife. One company that offers paper straws is Aardvark (http://www.aardvarkstraws.com)
You may also want to consider participating in an upgrade program, offering customers the opportunity to pay extra for their meal and receive a reusable straw to carry with them. I have been carrying a glass straw from a company called Glass Dharma for the past few years so that I don’t have to waste plastic. On their web site, they describe the Menu Upgrade program for restaurants (http://glassdharma.blogspot.com/2010/11/whats-on-menu.html), which I think is a great idea.
I’d love to hear more about sustainability efforts in the future at Naughty Dog. I do appreciate your restaurant and good food.
Sincerely,
Jessica Schreyer
April 29, 2011
Lot One
100 Main St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Manager:
I have really enjoyed Lot One. I enjoy your lively atmosphere and great meals. I appreciate the casual style and great music as well. I appreciate your commitment to serving the downtown area. The meals at Lot One are delicious and virtually waste free. This is except for one thing: disposable plastic straws. I appreciate that I have the choice of whether to take one but each straw is generating plastic waste that will last for thousands of years. In honor of Earth Day, I am writing to ask you to consider changing your straw policy.
I would love it if you would switch to paper straws for customers who want one. Yes, they are still disposable, but at least they are compostable and will not last in the environment, potentially harming wildlife. One company that offers paper straws is Aardvark (http://www.aardvarkstraws.com)
You may also want to consider participating in an upgrade program, offering customers the opportunity to pay extra for their meal and receive a reusable straw to carry with them. I have been carrying a glass straw from a company called Glass Dharma for the past few years so that I don’t have to waste plastic. On their web site, they describe the Menu Upgrade program for restaurants (http://glassdharma.blogspot.com/2010/11/whats-on-menu.html), which I think is a great idea.
I’d love to hear more about sustainability efforts in the future at Lot One. I do appreciate your restaurant and good food.
Sincerely,
Jessica Schreyer
April 29, 2011
Kalmes Breaktime Bar & Grill
1097 Jackson St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Manager:
I have really enjoyed Kalmes. You have a fun atmosphere and delicious food. I appreciate your commitment to serving the downtown area. The meals at Kalmes are delicious and virtually waste free. This is except for one thing: disposable plastic straws. I appreciate that I have the choice of whether to take one but each straw is generating plastic waste that will last for thousands of years. In honor of Earth Day, I am writing to ask you to consider changing your straw policy.
I would love it if you would switch to paper straws for customers who want one. Yes, they are still disposable, but at least they are compostable and will not last in the environment, potentially harming wildlife. One company that offers paper straws is Aardvark (http://www.aardvarkstraws.com)
You may also want to consider participating in an upgrade program, offering customers the opportunity to pay extra for their meal and receive a reusable straw to carry with them. I have been carrying a glass straw from a company called Glass Dharma for the past few years so that I don’t have to waste plastic. On their web site, they describe the Menu Upgrade program for restaurants (http://glassdharma.blogspot.com/2010/11/whats-on-menu.html), which I think is a great idea.
I’d love to hear more about sustainability efforts in the future at Kalmes. I do appreciate your restaurant and good food.
Sincerely,
Jessica Schreyer
April 29, 2011
Yen Ching
926 Main St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Manager:
I have really enjoyed Yen Ching. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Dubuque. This is except for one thing: disposable plastic straws. I appreciate that I have the choice of whether to take one but each straw is generating plastic waste that will last for thousands of years. In honor of Earth Day, I am writing to ask you to consider changing your straw policy.
I would love it if you would switch to paper straws for customers who want one. Yes, they are still disposable, but at least they are compostable and will not last in the environment, potentially harming wildlife. One company that offers paper straws is Aardvark (http://www.aardvarkstraws.com)
You may also want to consider participating in an upgrade program, offering customers the opportunity to pay extra for their meal and receive a reusable straw to carry with them. I have been carrying a glass straw from a company called Glass Dharma for the past few years so that I don’t have to waste plastic. On their web site, they describe the Menu Upgrade program for restaurants (http://glassdharma.blogspot.com/2010/11/whats-on-menu.html), which I think is a great idea.
I’d love to hear more about sustainability efforts in the future at Yen Ching. I do appreciate your restaurant and good food.
Sincerely,
Jessica Schreyer
Souper Salad
[franchise]
Glendale, AZ 85308
Dear Management,
I am a concerned customer of Souper Salad. When I dine at your restaurant the hostess automatically hands my family of four, a handful of plastic straws, that are also wrapped in precious paper. I don’t use a straw unless there is a lot of ice in my drink, like in the case of ice tea. Therefore, I don’t need a straw given to me automatically. I eat off your forks, knives and plates, and trust that your cups will be equally as clean and sanitized as the utensils.
One-time plastic is the great source of all the plastic pollution in our Oceans. You may have heard of, by now, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. If you have not you find information on it here (1), or on the (2) Midway site.
There is a company call Glass Dharma that sells super durable, glass straws. See for yourself. You, first, have the opportunity to ask patrons if they require a straw before you hand them over or to buy some reusable straws, since you already offer the use of reusable dishes. You could also sell the straws so that customers could buy them at your restaurant and bring them back for their own use, reducing YOUR plastic straw buying budget. Just as stores give 0.05 back for reusing their own bag, you could encourage your patrons to reuse their own straws- minus any precious paper wrap. I carry my own utensil and chopstick set, everywhere I go, so this is not a stretch difficult effort for anyone. If patrons ask why, you could post a sign, just as hotels do regarding towel changeout- “In consideration to our Planet’s future, and increasing plastic pollution, we will no longer offer plastic straws“. Many will applaud you.
Please take this letter into serious consideration as the future and welfare of your Planet depends on it.
With deep Sincerity,
Anastacia Andrade, RN
1)http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/what-is-the-great-pacific-ocean-garbage-patch
2)midway journey.com
3)glassDharma.com