Millennials are saving the planet with #skipthestraw

Contrary to the lingering boomer sentiment, millennials aren’t just lazy, frivolous procrastinators.

Today’s young people have taken matters into their own hands- placing a focus on environmental awareness and change.

It’s through their eco-conscious lens that you’ve probably heard of #skipthestraw; a movement that’s been spreading like wildfire in hopes to rid the planet of unnecessary, burdensome, single-use plastics.

It’s the 1st R! #refusesingleuse bc #plasticpollutes ... #beatplasticpollution #breakfreefromplastic #skipthestraw #refusethestraw #noplasticstraws #reduce #reuse #recycle #sneakystyrene @unenvironment : @plasticpollutes

A post shared by 5Gyres (@5gyres) on Mar 10, 2018 at 6:53pm PST

Environmental sustainability doesn’t begin and end with straws.

Happy Earth Week! 🌎 How are you all going to spend it? Plant some flowers, take shorter showers, get outside, pick up trash, write to your representatives, lay in the grass, ride your bike, set new goals, unplug, the list goes on! ☀️🌱💐🤸‍♂️🚲🚿🛶 Earth day should be everyday! Artwork by Dutch artist Peter Smith was made with plastic trash found on the streets of Amsterdam.

A post shared by TheLastStraw (@thelaststraw__) on Apr 18, 2018 at 9:17am PDT

Major label grocery chains have been moving away from plastic bags.

Big names like Lego are also hopping aboard the green train with an announcement that they aim to be petroleum-plastic free by 2030, switching to a plant-based alternative.

Already this year, shelves will be lined with the very first sustainable bricks.

The list goes on and on.

When being green with envy can really slow you down... 🐢⚠️ #LEGONINJAGO #NINJAGO #70641 #GreenWithEnvy

A post shared by LEGO (@lego) on Jan 24, 2018 at 6:59am PST

Change is on the horizon, and as slow as it may seem, every little bit helps.

So how can I help?

Refusing is better than recycling

• Start by bringing your own water bottles and coffee thermoses with you.
• Ask establishments to make your latte in your reusable cup instead of one you will just toss out.
• Keep cloth grocery bags in your vehicle at all times.
• Refuse straws while you’re dining out.
• Pack your lunch in a washable container.
• Buy your food from the bulk section, filled in reusable jars.

Let’s be mindful. Break up with plastic 💔The effort is small, and is all worth it 🌊 @plasticpollutes #refusesingleuse #tips #choosereusables #noplanetb #breakfreefromplastic . . . #plasticpollutes #environment #plastic #cleanseas #beatplasticpollution #consumedifferently #recycle #sustainable #breakupwithplastic #reuse #reduce #skipthestraw #thelaststraw #drasticplastic #noplastic #protect #nature #everyday #userealstuff #choosewisely #simplethings #savetheplanet #savetheoceans #noplasticstraws #stopsucking

A post shared by V A L E N T I N A (@valentina_rmt) on Apr 4, 2018 at 7:05am PDT

With a world overrun with plastics, we are literally drowning the ocean in toxic particles and debris.

Change always takes a little bit of effort, but once you’re in the habit, it’ll become second nature.

Do your part- join the #skipthestraw movement and say no to single-use plastics.

With Earth Day coming up this Sunday- find out what’s available in your community and pitch in!

How do you plan to help keep our planet clean and green?

Let us know in the comments!