A recent study by the Plastic Pollution Coalition showed that the dominant human material in the ocean are plastics, which account for about 60 to 80 percent of the ocean’s garbage. This year alone, we’ve seen reports of a sea turtle rescued by fishermen with a straw on its nose. Dead marine mammals and sea birds were found with straws and some plastic materials in their bellies. Scientists say that in 2050, oceans will be filled with plastics more than marine life.
To help save marine animals and the environment as a whole, some fast food chains in Cebu City have already adopted the “No straw” policy. These youngsters share their thoughts on the campaign.
It’s time for Cebu City to respond to calls to eliminate the use of straws and even plastics in all establishments. Our communities should think about the impact of this pollution in a larger scale, especially with our culture of consuming and disposing. It will encourage and educate Cebuanos to change their ways. If others can do it, then why can’t we? - Clark Panugalinog, 19, USJ-R, BA Comm student
I appreciate the efforts of some fast food chains and restaurants to reduce the use not only of plastic straws but also non-biodegradable disposable products. However, smaller and even unregistered businesses, which constitute the majority of food businesses in Cebu, still use plastic straws and other plastic products. I hope the government bans straws in all businesses. - Zachary Borromeo, 22, USC, BS Applied Physics
We should stop using plastic straws because we know how plastics badly affect our environment—not only plastics but also non-biodegradable materials. These harm the environment since it takes longer for plastic materials to decompose, contributing to the pollution in many ways. - Pia Bernadette Gabuya, 20, USJ-R, BA Comm
I see the ‘No straw’ campaign as a useful initiative to help lessen our environmental problems at present. This may seem like a small effort but if everyone will do their part, it will accomplish a lot. There’s going to be a chain reaction. - Wenilyn Sabalo, 19, USJ-R, BA Journalism
The ‘No straw’ campaign is a worthwhile effort to help save lives under the sea. Thinking that one straw wouldn’t hurt should not be a mindset for us because every day, someone is also thinking that way and it defeats the purpose of a communal effort to achieve the long-term goal, which is to eventually ditch the use of straws in order to preserve Mother Nature.” - Jewil Anne Tabiolo, 18, USJ-R, BA Journalism