There has been a wave come through the cruising industry where more and more cruise lines are moving forward on a plastic ban, or more specifically, a plastic straw ban, to cut down on plastic pollution in the environment.
It comes to no surprise that the news may be a point of concern to people with disability, as the straw ban severely impacts future cruise plans.
This is especially true for people who have Dyspraxia – a motor planning disorder (or other neurological disorders) may find themselves docked on a tropical humid destination, ordering a drink to quench their thirst, only to find out that the cruise ship that they have booked on have done a complete single-use plastic ban including plastic straws.
Without a straw, this makes it impossible for a person with disability to drinking a beverage and could result in dehydration and other health issues. Suddenly, what others may view as a simple issue, could be a matter of life and death for a person with disability.
Alternative options, like paper straws, are often not stable long enough to complete a drink and metal straws can often be difficult to clean and upkeep for a person with disability.
Why is plastic such a big concern?
Before we understand the movement behind the ban, we should first consider why it has become a concern.
For over 60 years, single-use plastic bags and straw have been widely accessible after proving to be a cheaper and more convenient alternative than their paper counterparts.
Though the pollution has been apparent for many years, it is only now that we can see the negative impact that it has had on our communities. Plastic is a non-biodegradable material, which means that it does not break down into compounds that can be easily reused.
Large plastics do break down over time into small particles known as microplastics which are carcinogenic, attract harmful pollutants and unfortunately stick around forever.
The World Economic Forum reports that there are 150 million metric tons of plastic currently in our oceans, and if this continues, it is predicted that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050 - a frightening realisation at how rapidly the pollution is escalating, considering 30 years isn’t that far away.
Why focus on plastic straws?
With a change campaign as large as cutting down and eventually eliminating plastic pollution, often it is best to focus on baby steps.
By focusing on an achievable goal, not only will it make it easier to raise awareness and winning support, but it facilitates reaching a specific goal. Once you have a community of organisations and passionate people backing the movement, a greater goal is more achievable.
Banning plastic straws alone is not going to save the oceans and the environment, but it is a great first step towards a cleaner and brighter future.
In Seattle, the straw ban was led by Lonely Whale in September 2017. Their Executive Director, Dune Ives, says “Our straw campaign is not really about straws. “It’s about pointing out how prevalent single-use plastics are in our lives, putting up a mirror to hold us accountable. The straw becomes the gateway conversation that makes you realise how pervasive and ubiquitous the problem is.”
There are definite benefits for the movement
In recent years, social media platforms have helped connect people around the world and facilitating the sharing of news and global issues. As a result, there has been an increase of knowledge surrounding environmental issues and ways in which small changes can have a big impact on making the world a better place.
With the help of viral videos and stories, environmental issues have been able to capture people’s attention like it has never done so before. In Australia alone, there has been an increase of green initiatives with businesses opting for environmentally sustainable options and educating their employees on ways to improve our footprint.
Cruise lines have jumped at the opportunity to back the movement with many implementing a full ban of single-use plastics after several confrontational videos showing the impact that plastic pollution has had on the environment.
What does this mean for a person with disability?
It is important to note that while many companies are looking into a total ban of single-use plastic items, some will still have the option upon request. It will come down to preparation, as is the planning process for every person with disability and making sure that an appropriate cruise is selected to best suit your needs.
Should the plastic ban impact your daily needs, it is imperative to advise the cruise line company, and to be mindful to pack what you need with you to avoid disappointment.
To help with your decision when booking a cruise, here is a quick list of cruise companies and their plans moving forward*
Azamara Club Cruises: Full ban of all single-use plastics
Carnival Cruise Line: No plastic straws will be included with your drink order, guests will have to request one, if needed
Celebrity Cruises: Full ban of all single-use plastics
Cunard: Full ban of all single-use plastics by 2022
G Adventures: Full ban of single-use water bottles and enforcing the use of reusable bottles instead onboard their Galapagos based small-ships. They have previously banned plastic straws.
Lindblad Expeditions: Full ban of all single-use plastics, including cups, straws and stirrers. It is important to note that they have banned plastic water bottles since 2007, offering reusable stainless-steel options instead
P&O Cruises Australia: No plastic straws will be included with your drink order, guests will have to request one, if needed
P&O Cruises: Full ban of all single-use plastics by 2022
Peregrine Adventures: Full ban of all single-use plastics, offering reusable water bottles instead
Royal Caribbean: Full ban of all single-use plastics
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection: Full ban of straws as well as other single-use plastics such as water bottles. Uniworld has also taken steps to cut down on paper usage.
Virgin Voyages: Full ban of single-use plastics, including straws, bottles, condiment packets, bags, packaging, stirrers and take-away coffee cups. Launching in 2021, the brand will be emphasizing the use of sustainable materials
*Please note that not all cruise lines have announced when changes will be implemented
