~ Mermaid Straw ~ Going Plastic Free Never Looked So Good!

There is simply no other way to put it… we are kind of obsessed with Mermaid Straw! We recently discovered this “fin”tastic, mission-based organization that is working hard to make waves of change on the devastating effects of single-use plastics on our planet.

This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As of 11-01-23, “Perhaps This Is” is no longer a participant in the Mermaid Straw Ambassador Program.

“Mermaid Straw is a mission based organization focused on the reduction of single-use plastics through offering fun & stylish reusable alternatives, community action, and education.” ~ Mermaid Straw

Mermaid Straw offers dazzling, stainless-steel, reusable alternatives to straws, water bottles, tumblers, cutlery and more! PLUS… that isn’t the only thing they’re doing to make an impact on reducing single-use plastic consumption and its effects on our planet.

We are SO excited to share with you why we choose to support Mermaid Straw and its ambitious mission to help make a difference.

Shimmering Treasures!

Trisha and I are both moms of kids that LOVE the vast ocean, wildlife of all kinds and exploring our magnificent earth from the depths of Mammoth Cave to the top of Haleakala.

We are passionate about teaching our kids the importance of making eco-friendly, sustainable choices whenever possible and doing our part to help protect and conserve our planet.

Mermaid Straw (Smoothie Straw)

One of the easiest ways we get our kids involved is by using reusable alternatives to single-use plastics such as straws, water bottles, cutlery and drinkware when our families are on the go…or even at home!

Beach Essential: Mermaid Straw Water Bottle!

With plastic production reaching over 4 BILLION metric tons, in just the last 15 years, we certainly feel the urgency to help reduce our families’ impact on the planet.

Mermaid Straw makes switching to reusable alternatives fun, stylish, personal and meaningful. Have I mentioned they even have an adopted Loggerhead Sea Turtle named Caroline?!?!

Mermaid Straw Gives Back

We absolutely love Mermaid Straw, for their strong commitment to giving back to their community, and to organizations that help protect and conserve our planet’s oceans, lakes, rivers and wildlife.

They’re dedicated to being an eco-friendly company, right down to the plastic-free shipping materials they use. It’s a big part of who they are.

It’s pretty exciting what they’re up to! Let’s dive-in and take a look!

Educating Our Youth

Pop Quiz time! What is small, but great in numbers, bright, diverse, found scattered all over the world and capable of having a huge impact on our planet?

If you said, “Microplastics,” you’re correct! But that’s not the answer we’re looking for, it’s… KIDS!

Microplastics found along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Northwest Indiana is lucky to have a local company that believes conversations with our youth are an important part of the success of the community, and planet, and the plastic pollution issues they face.

“When it’s all said and done, the number one way to fight plastic pollution is by refusing single-use plastic. It’s that simple.” ~ Alison Teal, “Alison’s Adventures, Your Passport to the World”

Mermaid Straw has visited and spoken to hundreds of elementary, high-school and college students about marine debris, single-use plastics, sustainability, and plastic materials. They are educating and empowering kids (and adults) of all ages to get involved by making simple changes in their own habits at home.

Co-founders, Lisa and Adam, are a positive, encouraging voice to help make the plastic pollution crisis “real” for so many students and to educate, encourage and remind them that they can in fact make a difference.

Beach Clean-Ups

During the warmer months (April through September), Mermaid Straw organizes monthly beach clean-up events along the shores of Lake Michigan. They’ve been spotted numerous times helping to beautify Indiana’s national and state parks.

Beach Cleanup gear.

In 2019, Mermaid Straw tallied over 3,700 lbs. of marine debris and litter collected by 1,500 volunteers from the community! INCREDIBLE!

My marine debris artwork.

My family has been able to join Mermaid Straw for a few cleanups, and we’re looking forward to attending more in the future. It is very inspiring to see so many people working together to make a difference. Every little bit helps!

Beach clean-up vibes!

No worries, if you don’t live close enough to attend a beach cleanup event! You can still participate, from anywhere in the world, by picking up litter in your own community and sharing your efforts on social media by using #CleanOurWorld to help spread the message. Let’s see your trash finds, friends!

1% for the Planet

Mermaid Straw is a member of “1% for the Planet” and has pledged to donate at least 1% of their annual sales (not just profits) to give back to organizations that help our oceans, lakes, environment and wildlife.

Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal off the Coast of Maui.

Your purchase will help benefit organizations that are dedicated to protecting and conserving our stunning planet. Currently, their donations are going toward several organizations that are active in Hawaii (our favorite place on earth!), as well as the Great Lakes Region, in our own backyard.

That’s pretty awesome!

“Mer”mazing Adventures with Mermaid Straw!

Whether it’s working with community volunteers at one of their hosted beach cleanups, connecting with other bloggers who love Mermaid Straw, or talking with Lisa and Adam (the co-founders) about microplastics along the shores of Lake Michigan… the dedication and passion for the earth is inspiring and contagious.

Recently, Mermaid Straw partnered with a new friend in the fight against plastic pollution and I can honestly say, “I’m hooked!”

Alison’s Adventures: Your Passport to the World published by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

Meet Alison Teal

• Alison was named “The Female Indiana Jones” by Time Magazine.
• She lives in Hawaii and helped get toxic sunscreens banned in the Aloha State, with her filmmaking efforts on coral reef protection.
• Alison was homeschooled by her parents, including while on the slopes of Mt. Everest, and has been travelling the world since she was a small child. (Hooray for fellow homeschoolers!)
• She has written a book, “Alison’s Adventures: Your Passport to the World”, to share her story with young readers and inspire them to explore and protect the world around them. (We’re using it as homeschool material and my 9 year old gives it rave reviews.)
• Her focus on sharing the impacts of our plastic pollution crisis is helping to raise awareness and bring attention to this important issue with people of all ages.

Mermaid Straw and Alison Teal have a lot in common in regard to protecting our planet. It’s no surprise they’ve partnered together to create the Alison’s Adventures Collection which features exclusive, reusable alternatives to single-use plastics.

Check out the Alison’s Adventures Collection… you’ll find tons of iridescent treasures in store and exciting stories to inspire your passion for exploring and preserving the earth.

Make a Splash and Get Involved!

Feeling inspired to help make a difference for our planet? If so, check out the ways we’ve listed below to help get you started on your journey!

Check out that Silicone Tip!

• Commit to making the switch to reusable alternatives to single-use plastics whenever possible. Changing habits can be hard and doesn’t happen overnight. Start small… replace the one item you most frequently use, such as water bottles, straws or coffee tumblers.
• Pick-up litter in your neighborhood and community. Even if you don’t live near a beach, keeping streets and storm drains clean is very important in the fight against marine debris. Share your efforts on social media with #CleanOurWorld to help encourage others.
• Participate in #PlasticSucksSeptember, an initiative, by Mermaid Straw, with easy, eco-friendly activities to help you make the switch to reusable alternatives to single-use plastics.
• Follow Mermaid Straw on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, for all the latest news, deals, blog posts and clean-up events.

Have an idea you don’t see listed above? Please, leave a comment below to share your thoughts with our readers (and us!) on this important topic.

Check Out Our Favorite Resources About the Environment and Our Planet

• A Visit with Upcycle Hawaii to One of the Most Plastic Polluted Beaches in the World
• Over 35 Earth Day Books for Kids of All Ages
• Over 30 Incredible Ocean Themed Books, Games and Resources 
• Inspiring Kids Books About People Who Love Nature
• Our Favorite Children’s Books About Bees
• Out of This World! Children’s Books About Space!
• Over 50 Amazing Resources For Kids, All About Hawaii
• 25 Must Read Books All About Spring