Our Story
Our Story
The Straw Campaign
How one item can start a movement
Our organization grew out of the success of The Straw Campaign back in 2018, when we set out to reduce plastic pollution in Vancouver’s shorelines. Simon Fraser University graduate Melissa Donich began meeting with Vancouver restaurant owners with a simple question- What if we started by dropping the straw?
Business-backed change
From that humble starting point, The Straw Campaign galvanized over 100 businesses to sign a petition voicing their commitment to end the use of plastic straws. Through the petition, many business owners realized that little effort was needed to take straws out of the equation and start reducing their impact on both human and environmental health.
“When you add it all up, that’s 57 million straws being thrown out in Canada every day.” – Melissa Donich, Founder of Drop the Plastic
The solution was cost-friendly and within arms’ reach: replace single-use straws with biodegradable or reusable alternatives, or even better, kick the straw habit entirely.
“According to scientists, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2040. We need to start somewhere, and plastic straws were an easy first step.” – Melissa Donich, Founder of Drop the Plastic
A cleaner city
With the completed petition in hand, Donich went to municipal leaders to propose that the city go straw-free and Vancouver City Council voted yes to banning single-use plastic straws starting June 1, 2019.
Some businesses had already been following their own strict policy on not using straws, but up until The Straw Campaign, there had been little city-wide participation. The Straw Campaign proved that municipal government, individuals, and local businesses could work together to implement real, widespread environmental change.
“I reached out to local businesses on a very personal level. I would go door-to-door, district to district, and collect hand written signatures. . . it demonstrated their support, and a genuine interaction between the citizens of Vancouver. We need this kind of support today.”
Press
https://davidsuzuki.org/story/people-just-like-you-are-inspiring-positive-change/
https://www.straight.com/news/1076996/vancouver-ban-plastic-straws-and-disposable-food-containers-starting-june-1-2019
https://globalnews.ca/news/4122535/city-of-vancouver-reduce-straws-bars-restaurants/
Our job isn’t done
Straws are only the smallest perpetrator in plastic pollution, and while we were able to impact an entire city, the reality is that plastic pollution continues to be a global issue.
Founded in 2019, Drop the Plastic is a Canadian-based, non-profit organization with a global mission to end single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials. We educate individuals, businesses, and political leaders on the easy, practical steps they can take to reduce plastic pollution.
Through community cooperation, field research, and spreading awareness, Drop the Plastic is tackling one item at a time.
Sponsors
Our society would not be possible without the help of our sponsors, volunteers and donations.
Special thanks to:
Other supporters:
Asterix Studio, Moozhan A Art & Design, Biancangela