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SAS Project: Skip the Straw Campaign

This page profiles an individual project associated with the Trash-Free Waters South Atlantic Strategy (SAS). For additional information about this effort, or to get involved, please reach out to the project contact identified below.

On this page:

  • Key Information
  • Detailed Project Information

Key Information

Project Title: Skip the Straw Campaign

SAS Goal: Goal 5: Ensure that communities enact and enforce laws that prevent and reduce littering and illegal dumping.

SAS Action: 5.1.5

Project Status: Active

Project Timeline: January 2010-Ongoing

Project Location:  Key West, FL

Funding Amount: None.

Funding Sources: N/A

Project Contact
Name: Taylor Tsacoumis
Title: Project Coordinator
Affiliation: Reef Relief
Email: reefrelief@gmail.com
Telephone: 305-294-3100

Detailed Project Information

Description: This campaign was responsible for a ban that was passed in 2019 on plastic and bioplastic straws for the City of Key West. Prior to the ban, we had a pledge of businesses committed to providing plastic straw alternatives. Now that the ban is in Key West, we aid in its implementation and are working to encourage similar bans up the Keys. Additionally, we are working to create a list of pledged businesses throughout the Keys that have vowed not to distribute plastic straws any longer. 

Project Partners: We would like to recognize our current and past Reef Relief team members who have worked hard to limit the number of plastic straws entering marine environments. 

Current Project Outcomes: Our efforts led to the City of Key West passing Ordinance 19-12 and City Code of Ordinances in September 2019, effectively banning the use and distribution of plastic and bioplastic straws. 

Long-Term Project Outcomes: The long-term outcomes of this project are to pass effective plastic straw bans across the Florida Keys to eliminate straws entering marine environments. In the meantime, we hope to create a list of pledged businesses who have vowed to stop using plastic straws. 

Associated Links: 

  • https://www.reefrelief.org/strawlesskeys/

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Last updated on April 1, 2025
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