The Coral Keepers in action -- sans straws. Photo courtesy of Susan Tate
Students make a big impact when it comes to reducing marine debris! This year, students from Whitehall Middle School in Whitehall, Michigan launched a campaign to raise awareness about plastic straw pollution. Under the advisement of 8th grade Earth science teacher Susan Tate, the group of students -- who call themselves the Coral Keepers -- decided to petition the National Day Calendar organization to create “National Skip the Straw Day.” The day launched this year and will occur each year on the fourth Friday in February.
Up to 500 million straws are used each day in the United States, and all that plastic can have a negative effect on marine and Great Lakes wildlife. Instead of biodegrading, plastic straws break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which are frequently mistaken for food by wildlife. The Coral Keepers’ initiative helps raise awareness about the problems of plastic pollution.
This spring, students at Whitehall Middle School will be continuing their efforts to reduce marine debris by participating in Students for Zero Waste Week. The Coral Keepers are organizing a school-wide letter writing campaign to encourage restaurants to decrease their reliance on single-use plastic. Students will encourage the use of paper straw over plastic, signage that reminds people to skip the straw, and policies of straws on request; students may also write restaurants about foam takeout boxes, plastic silverware, and other items that have the potential to become marine debris.
Through their Skip the Straw Day initiative and Students for Zero Waste Week, Whitehall Middle School students are leading the charge to care for marine habitats. By educating their communities in person and online, students like these can raise awareness and create lasting change for our ocean and Great Lakes.