The Skip the Straw Challenge is gaining momentum in the city of Tampa. Sparkman Wharf, the outdoor foodie haven that has Food & Wine buzzing, is joining a number of businesses in the Skip the Straw Challenge.
The Skip the Straw Challenge is an effort to reduce the use of plastic straws and single-use plastics. Sparkman Wharf is now a plastic straw free venue with the exception of straws for milkshakes.
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We love the #skipthestraw challenge! Way to go, @floridaaquarium and @sparkmanwharf! 👏 @SkipthestrawFL #skipthestrawfl https://t.co/KKXiMERv58
— Water Street Tampa (@WaterStTampa) December 18, 2018
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9 million tons of plastic in the ocean every year
Almost 9 million U.S. tons of plastic enters the ocean from land every year, according to a release from the Florida Aquarium.
“Sparkman Wharf is proud to participate in the ‘Skip the Straw’ challenge alongside the chefs and restaurateurs whose original street-food style concepts have made the dining garden a new culinary destination for Tampa Bay foodies,” said Strategic Property Partners CEO James Nozar. “In collaboration with Port Tampa Bay, we are delighted to open the physical wharf and provide a space where the scenic waterfront can be experienced and enjoyed throughout the year.”
Challenge accepted! We’re excited to join @FloridaAquarium in the #SkiptheStrawFL Challenge. We are developing a new patch program to inspire Girl Scouts of all ages to take action in protecting our waters from single use plastics. Be on the lookout for more information. pic.twitter.com/kFaIMzsPyZ
— GirlScoutsWCF (@gswcf) December 13, 2018
Girl Scouts take the Skip the Straw Challenge
Sparkman Wharf isn’t alone. The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) has accepted The Florida Aquarium Skip the Straw Challenge.
The Girl Scouts will create a new patch program to promote environmental and wildlife preservation.
It’s estimated that the amount of plastic dumped into the ocean will double by the year 2025. That’s 18 million tons contributed by the U.S., according to a release from the Florida Aquarium.
“We’re so excited to accept The Florida Aquarium’s challenge to Skip the Straw and are developing a new patch to inspire Girl Scouts of all ages to take action in protecting our waters from single use plastics,” said Girl Scouts of West Central Florida CEO Jessica Muroff. “Environmental stewardship has been a cornerstone of the Girl Scout mission to make the world a better place for more than 100 years.”
Tampa small businesses join the initiative
The movement has gone hyper local, too. Raw Smoothie Co., an organic green smoothies and smoothie bowl spot, has taken the Skip the Straw Challenge. So too has Lucky’s Hot Dogs, a collection of hot dog carts across Tampa Bay.
Any organization can join the charge through a variety of actions, which include: Educating others, promoting and spreading awareness on social media, eliminating plastic straws from their restaurants or cafeterias, or personally deciding to skip the use of plastic straws.
Want to join businesses like Kahwa Coffee, Bella’s Cafe and BT To Go in the challenge? Click here to join and start sharing how you #SkiptheStrawFL.
Businesses share how they’re taking the challenge
How else has Tampa gotten involved? Here’s a quick social roundup of posts across Tampa Bay
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