Local stores to switch to more eco-friendly

Many stores and restaurants use single use plastics, especially since the coronavirus and concerns about germs spreading have intensified. For example, Starbucks has plastic lids and plastic straws and most public places use plastic straws as well. Some alternatives could be using paper straws, however, some people find paper straws annoying because they don’t hold up that well. Another type of straw you can use are bamboo straws. However, these are more expensive and might be harder to get. Boba guys, a boba shop, has started to begin the transition into only using bamboo straws.

Additionally, grocery stores such as Safeway use plastic bags. Despite charging extra for each plastic bag, a lot of people still use them. Another alternative could be using paper bags. Also, lots of restaurants use styrofoam and plastic take out boxes and utensils. Some restaurants also always automatically give you plastic straws with your drink of water. Some solutions could be suggesting restaurants use reusable utensils and ask the waiter specifically to not give you a plastic straw. Additionally, when going into boba shops, you can bring your own reusable straws.

There are lots of little things you can do to do your part in making the earth more eco friendly and it all starts with you.