The average American uses disposable plastic utensils at an average rate of 1.6 straws per person per day. Based on national averages, this equates to each person in the U.S. using about 38,000 straws between the ages of 5 and 65.

90% of ocean waste is made up of plastic trash and it is having a devastating effect on marine life.  Animals and seabirds are ingesting plastic waste on a daily basis, in particular single-use plastic straws.  

Ecosystems are being completely destroyed and we fear the endangerment of various turtle species as these animals frequently ingest plastic straws mistakenly as food.  

Dear Royal Caribbean, as one of the largest cruise lines in the world, please consider taking the first step as the leader of the industry by banning the use of plastic straws on your cruise ships.  

On a recent cruise with my family, I was given a straw with every drink, on average of 4 drinks per day, per person.  

When you consider the simple act of replacing the plastic use straw with a compostable version, or banning it altogether, the impact is tremendous.   I know it is a small step but it can be the first step in our global commitment together to help reduce climate change.  

Thank you for your consideration.  It is in everyone’s best interest to do their part in preserving the beauty of our ocean and marine life for the generations to come.