Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - If you need proof that social media works, consider the banning of straws in many restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Some have moved to alternatives, such as paper/wax straws, which are biodegradable, and less damaging to the environment, marine life and animals.

There are establishments who will only give customers these types of straws if they are requested; not freely offering them. Others are using clever substitutes. Like the bamboo tubes used at the Vallarta Botanical Garden, for example.

We recently read an article quoting Dune Ives, the Executive Director of Lonely Whale, a nonprofit whose goal is guarding our oceans from harm and protecting marine life. Ives states that straws are a "gateway plastic," meaning they lead the way for people to realize how easy it is to give up all types of plastic. It's not hard to let go of our love for straws; considering the destruction to our environment, especially all waterways, it should be easy.

The Save the Sea Turtle Foundation started out in 1987 as a national project and has hit its stride as a global group, creating awareness not just for sea turtles. They are dedicated to disseminating educational information about our marine ecosystems and how we are slowly destroying our ocean environments. Continual publication of graphic photos on the Internet and social media, showing the damage and death to turtles, birds, fish and all types of sea life, has brought attention to the cause of the destruction.

People around the world are acting. Straws are a symbol. There is so much garbage floating around the planet, it's impossible to describe in a short venue such as ours. We do know that taking a walk on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, and picking up garbage and debris along the way, is an eye-opening experience.

In Puerto Vallarta, it began with one small restaurant. They let their customers know they would no longer provide drinking straws. It quickly caught on to the degree there are now hotels, resorts and businesses attached to the movement. Check out #sinpopote, which means "without straw" in Spanish.

There are alternatives. You can buy stainless steel straws that include a cleaner and case. We personally have a glass straw, a gift from a stateside friend; it is sturdy, non-breakable and comes with a money back guarantee. Hummingbird Glass Straws is another company, easily found on a Google search; they have straws with cute little animals, characters and decorations. Keep an eye out for them in the stores in and around Puerto Vallarta, or order on Amazon.

New York City is now considering a ban on straws. In Puerto Vallarta, we are ahead of the game. With locals, residents, and tourists joining together, we can make a difference. Next up: Plastic bags. Que cómo es es.

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The number one selling and listing agency in the greater Bay of Banderas region since 2011, Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the city's Romantic Zone. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate and, with 5 sales offices around the bay, we know our communities well. If you are looking to sell or purchase a property in the Banderas Bay area, please contact one of the Timothy Real Estate Group agents for the best experience in Puerto Vallarta real estate. For more information, visit TimothyRealEstateGroup.com.

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