In the states, I never really thought about plastic. I never thought about how terribly bad it is. After being here for about two months, I have learned how insanely terrible plastic really is.
For example, did you know that we use enough straws to wrap around the world 2.5 times every year? Is it just me, or is that crazy!? 1 plastic straw takes about 400 years to break down. Plastic itself was only invented about 100 years ago, so that means that every plastic straw that you have ever used is most likely floating in the ocean as we speak. I find that absolutely ridiculous.
Did you also know that humans sometimes end up eating the plastic that we have dumped in the the ocean? You see, when the plastic that we have littered into the ocean gets eaten by sea creatures, later on when fishermen catch these animals we end up eating the plastic that they have already digested. How disgusting is that? I know that I don’t really want to eat plastic. Sadly the other pieces of plastic that get into the ocean sometimes trap, harm or even kill animals that we say that we love, like dolphins and sea turtles.
The country of New Zealand is much better at using less plastic than we are at home. Instead of using plastic wrap or tin foil, they use beeswax covers that are waterproof, they stick together, and they are reusable. They come in all different colors and sizes. They also have stainless steel straws that are a solution for plastic straws, and are also reusable.
What is really cool, is that kids here just have the habit of recycling plastic. It is a really big topic of discussion. The fact that everyone else cares, has made me start to care.
This term at school our topic has been ‘actions speak louder than words.’ We also had to write a speech that supported this topic.
My mind immediately clicked. I was going to write my speech on plastic straws. While researching this topic, I learned so many things about plastic straws. After doing this project, I have learned all about what the effects of plastic are, and what we can do to help.
We have found solutions like paper straws and stainless steel straws, but I think that paper straws are a better solution.
My parents think it’s cool that they’re learning about the environment and better solutions from me; and I kind of like that too. If you’re interested, help me to spread the word. Make people care, and tell them how they can help. I challenge you to stop and think the next time you are face to face with a plastic straw, and think: is the possibility of a sea creature getting hurt or possibly killed worth just one straw?
The real challenge is to just say ‘no.’
Chloe Irwin
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Excellent Chloé. Don’t forget to add styrofoam cups to that list. Here on the North Fork you must pay extra for plastic bags at the grocery store..it’s a new law . It encourages everyone to bring their own reusable bags. Can’t wait to hear all about this and more when we see you. 😘
That is good to know. i hope that it will be the same at every grocery store soon.
With love,
Chloe
Wow Chloe you have definitely educated me today
Cudos to you and the N Zealanders for being aware of this serious problem
I will definitely spread the word on your behalf and for the environment
Keep up the good work
Thank you! The more people aware, the better.
-Chloe
That was a great story! I love it and miss you! Miss you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks! miss you 2
ILYSM
That was so good!! I miss you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ILLY😀😃😄😁😆😛😘😋😜🤪😝🤩😎👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👌🏻❤️💕💗💓😂❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
Thanks mo. i miss you 2
I loved this and I miss you so so so much!
Hey ma Chloé,
We (my generation and your parent’s generation) are to blame for leaving you a big mess and I feel really badly about it. It’s not only in the ocean that you find plastic, but everywhere, even in our tap water! How good is that for our health?
New Zealand (that does not surprise me) seems to be ahead of many countries; but many countries in Europe are also aware of how bad plastic is for all of us and are taking actions against it. In France for example plastic bags have been banned for many years. It is a good thing but so much more needs to be done.
Thanks for that very interesting piece.
Love you to the moon and back.
Mamie
I miss you!❤️❤️❤️
Chloe,
I read about how bad straws are about a year ago and immediately made the connection–just like you did. I gave them up immediately and talk about it to others as much as possible.
You are obviously very smart. I encourage you to speak about it to others-they will hear your passion and follow you.
Thanks!
Starbucks has stopped using straws too. Miss you