Plastic vs. Planet
By Staff Writer
Cris Jimenez
The CCA goes green with paper straws in the Leu Cafe.
Plastic pollution is an awful thing that has negatively affected the planet’s most important wildlife and unfortunately, it isn't going to stop anytime soon, until everyone starts to take action. Not only does this affect us, but it also affects the ocean and the animals within it. Scientists have stated that “by 2030 there would be more plastic than fish in the ocean.”
California now prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless they are requested. Many mainstream companies that aren’t restricted by the loosely written law are trying to make a difference by making straws optional as well. Jamba Juice is now using paper straws, American Airlines have gone as far as to ban straws, and companies such as Aramark, Disney, Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott International, have all stopped using straws to help save sea animals.
Olympians are also taking part in raising environmental awareness. Olympian Melissa Castillo said, “I was on my Instagram explore page, and I saw turtles with straws up their noses and they were choking on them. I didn’t like the image because it made me uncomfortable, so I said it's time to make a change.”
With plenty of plastic bottle use on campus, the ECA's recycling program is essential.
Many people prove that convenience is comforting and it’s difficult to change. “Well quite frequently the straw came with the coffee cup that I bought” said Mr. Goldstein. Olympian Andro Fahmi photographed CCA’s straws.
With a little thought, Olympians can find their own solutions for change. “I just couldn’t get over the fact of how many straws I’ve thrown away in the trash when I could have just bought one reusable straw,” said Olympian Halo Reyes.
Photos by Andro Fahmi and Halo Reyes