Plastic Ocean Project Inc. has teamed up with Surfrider Cape Fear Chapter and Wrightsville Beach Keep It Clean to establish an initiative to recognize local restaurants for their efforts in curbing the use of single-use plastics. The first step is to offer straws to guests only upon request.
 
"We started with straws for the Ocean Friendly Establishments because to only give straws upon request is something that anyone can do with no cost involved,” said Kim Beller, secretary of the board of directors for Plastic Ocean Project Inc. “It would be great to see all restaurants looking at ways they can reduce their overall plastic use -- to-go containers, cups, etc. -- and make other changes as they are able to."  
 
The following local businesses have signed an agreement to train their staff to not automatically put straws in guests drinks and have received the Ocean Friendly Establishment certification: The Blockade Runner Beach Resort, Catch, Ceviche’s, Chops Deli, Blue Surf Café, Betsy’s Crepes, Fat Tony’s, Poe’s Tavern and Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine.
 
Laura Tiblier, co-owner of Ceviche’s, says that since receiving the certification, the restaurant has not had to reorder straws.
 
“We noticed right away that once we stopped serving straws, very few people asked for them,” Tiblier said. “It’s already been a significant savings.”
 
“Restaurants can feel good about saving the environment but they’re also saving money, which is a real bonus,” Beller said.
 
Ginger Taylor, founder of Wrightsville Beach Keep It Clean, is credited with spearheading the initiative. She is hopeful that in addition to adding more restaurants to the list of Ocean Friendly Establishments, that customers will consider asking for their drinks to be served without straws wherever they dine.
 
Click here for more information on the initiative. Email for information on how to become certified as an Ocean Friendly Establishment.

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