The Last Straw is a movement to reduce plastic waste produced in the hospitality industry. This project is born out of the desire to shift perspectives and behaviours. Every time a
straw-free
drink is served, it means one less item in our landfills, one less piece of plastic in our oceans.
Small changes can make a big difference.
The Last Straw is a stepping stone to a more mindful approach in our consumption of single-use plastics.
Click here to see a list of participating bars & restaurants.
Q – Why is it important to go straw-free?
A – Over 57 million straws are thrown away every day in Canada alone. Taking countless resources to produce and to distribute to only being used for a short time before going to live for an eternity in landfills, end up in our waterways, washed up on beaches around the world, or worst, eaten by wildlife. They have a huge impact on our earth but such a small impact on our lives and the quality of service that restaurants provide.
Q – What do we mean by “straw-free”?
A – Ideally, there would be no disposable straws whatsoever – especially straws made of plastic. However, some people legitimately need straws – such as those with certain disabilities – so of course there are exceptions. We are asking that all restaurants and bars stop giving single-use straws automatically. Either provide reusable straws (glass, stainless steel), or provide a less harmful disposable straw on request only (paper, pasta, twizzlers, etc!).
Q – What about using compostable straws?
Compostable straws are still disposable. They are still less preferable than opting to go strawless or use a reusable straw.
If you need to use compostable straws (for example, for people with certain disabilities), they should be properly composted in a commercial composting facility. Buying compostable straws and then disposing of them in a landfill is not a solution to our unsustainable system of consumption and disposal.
This campaign is modeled and supported by the successful
Last Straw Toronto
campaign. *the Last Straw images are created by @fvpaonessa