National Day

National Skip The Straw Day

Celebrated on 02/27/2026

Quick Fact

National Skip The Straw Day was founded in 2017 by the Coral Keepers, a group of students from White's Ferry Elementary School in Maryland, after they learned that over 500 million plastic straws are used daily in the United States. The holiday encourages individuals to refuse single-use plastic straws to reduce ocean pollution and protect marine life. Each year, it inspires millions to make small changes that collectively have a significant environmental impact.

Origins and Establishment of National Skip The Straw Day

National Skip The Straw Day was founded in 2017 by a group of students at White's Ferry Elementary School in Dickerson, Maryland, known as the Coral Keepers. The students were inspired by their studies on ocean pollution and the devastating effects of plastic waste on marine ecosystems. They discovered that approximately 500 million plastic straws are used every day in the United States alone, many of which end up in oceans, harming sea turtles, birds, and other wildlife. To raise awareness and encourage action, they designated the fourth Friday of February as National Skip The Straw Day, a day to skip the straw and reduce plastic waste.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Skip The Straw Day has grown from a local school initiative into a nationwide movement. Environmental organizations, such as the Ocean Conservancy and Surfrider Foundation, have embraced the day, promoting it through social media campaigns and educational materials. Many restaurants and businesses now participate by offering straws only upon request or switching to biodegradable alternatives. The day is celebrated by individuals, schools, and communities through challenges, art projects, and beach cleanups. The rise of reusable straws made from stainless steel, glass, or silicone has also become a popular way to commemorate the day, reducing reliance on single-use plastics.

Facts & General Observations

  • Plastic straws are among the top 10 items found in ocean cleanups, with an estimated 7.5 million plastic straws littering U.S. coastlines.
  • A single plastic straw takes over 200 years to decompose, breaking down into microplastics that contaminate water and food chains.
  • The #StopSucking campaign, launched in 2017 alongside National Skip The Straw Day, has been shared over 1 million times on social media, helping to spread awareness globally.

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