It's been a month since Hirosaki's coffee shop "Meikoku and Coffee Himawari" (Sakamoto Town, Hirosaki City, TEL 0172-35-4051) introduced a paper straw.

Drinking with paper straws was started on August 1st by the owner, Chisuko Mikami. Plastic straws are not included in cold drink orders, and paper straws are provided only upon request.

Mr. Mikami said, "I was aware of the problem of marine plastic waste, and I was sick of the marine life that I ate by mistake for food. I thought that I could work on it at our shop."

According to the government public information, about 30,000 tons of stranded waste was collected nationwide in fiscal 2016 (Heisei 28), with plastic waste being the largest. If the amount of plastic waste flowing into the sea continues to increase, it is predicted that the amount of fish will exceed the amount of fish in 2050.

One month has passed since the introduction of paper straws, and I have received an inquiry asking, "Is there no straw?", but "I have heard about a few people. I have explained and understood the situation. Thank you." ..

"It's a habit that straws always come out, but it is better to change it considering the future of the children. It may be a small initiative, but if you get a little awareness of plastic garbage and if there are more shops to synchronize, I'm happy."