Straws, arg.

Plastic straws are my recent pet peeve. Everytime I go to out to eat with my little boy, he gets a drink that inevitably comes with a straw. Now that I can't help but imagine where things go, straws are at the top of the list of 'non-essential products that are most likely to fly into the ocean.' They're right up there with plastic bags. I see the wind start to blow, and the little straw make it's way towards the ocean. I know, I'm insane.

But having a straw is obviously one of those fun parts of being a kid. I remember blowing many a bubble in my milk, especially with those little bendy straws with the red stripe at my grandma's house. Still, I can explain to Izzy that they're wasteful, he usually gets it.

At any rate, I need to address my own use first.

So lately when I eat out I've started asking for my drinks 'without a straw.' The waiter/waitress usually looks at me like I'm nuts. Then they bring a drink with a straw anyway, 90% of the time. Because it's such a new thing to request, I mean is there a 'n/s' shortcut they write on their little pad? Doubtful.

I noticed a glass straw review on the site. That's a cool idea for committed restaurants. Or compostable straws. As I'm a 'mate (mah-tey) drinking liberal, I have my bamboo and metal straws that I use for my tea. Maybe To-Go Ware will make a good reusable straw. But, just like with a re-usable bag, I'm sure bringing my own straw is easily forgettable. I'd rather not use one.

But I imagine they'll keep arriving at the table anyway, for a while. Arg.