An alternative to plastic straws.

[puppylover]

Brilliant idea from Face Book group "No Straws North Cyprus"




So you want a straw in your iced coffee or your cocktail, easy, buy a packet of firin makarna from your supermarket, 2.15TL for approximately 160 pasta straws!


"No Straws North Cyprus hopes initially to persuade bars, restaurants and hotels to adopt a Straw On Demand policy, this has been known to lead to a 90% reduction in the use of plastic straws. We are designing posters for them to advertise they are adopting this policy and we will promote on our Facebook page, those who take up the challenge of cutting the use of plastic straws"

[munchy]

Good idea, we have to start somewhere. Maybe we could address the massive problem of plastic carrier bags which are given out like confetti by all the shops.

[Hilltop]

Really good idea. We purchased 30 paper straws from the pound shop in Famagusta...7tl, but worth it for our tiny bit of help for the planet.

[sophie]

Some venues seem to be getting the message, Yesterday we went and ordered two G and T. Usually these would come with two plastic straws stick in amongst the ice cubes. This time it came with straws, still in their plastic covering and laying by the side of the glasses, not opened nor used. Success, strike one.

[puppylover]

Sophie

You could be right.
Went to Sabor in Lefkosa this evening and when I ordered a home made lemonade, it didn't come with a straw!
Usually does as it come in a tankard type glass.
Thought maybe the waiter had forgotten but looking around other tables, no straws in sight.

Every little helps and maybe the word is getting around.

[Trigger]

And don’t forget to use your bags for life rather than the plastic carriers. It’s all about changing the mindset, slowly but surely.

Long way to go, but we have to start somewhere.

[sophie]

Slightly off topic, but just when you think there is a change in mind set, I watched TV yesterday and 3 times I saw a Gin Advertisement with plastic straws being used. If a company the size of Gordons won't change it's going to make it difficult for Joe Blogs and his missus!

[Jonnie]

Slightly off topic, but just when you think there is a change in mind set, I watched TV yesterday and 3 times I saw a Gin Advertisement with plastic straws being used. If a company the size of Gordons won't change it's going to make it difficult for Joe Blogs and his missus!

Easy simply say no straw when ordering. It is not all about what companies and government do, we are each responsible for our own action and can take many actions ourselves such as litter picking, reusing bags, using deposit only water bottles, drinking tap water (who would have thought it) buying from shops that weigh at the counter avoiding all these veg in bags etc etc. Lifestyle changes such as going for a 20min walk a few times a week can help your health, take a container and collect some rubbish at the same time.

[sophie]

Jonnie, you're talking to the long time converted here. My point re Gordons being that they appear to be making no effort at all. What say the power of advertising? Surely they could make a start. I've been "the lady that brings her own shopping bags" for years. Couple of years back the check out girls used to point to me when I started the load up. At least they have stopped commenting but only Sha has them for sale. I've got 4 or 5 of theirs.