Let's face it. What is the purpose of a straw? I understand that it is convenient to drink out of a straw, but it is by no means a necessity. They are very harmful to the environment and contribute to the polluting of beaches and oceans everywhere. Here are some reasons to ditch the dreadful straw.

1. Serve no real purpose

Yeah, straws are great and all, but you don't NEED them. Your iced caramel latte will taste just as great if you pop off the lid and drink from the cup than asking for a straw.

3. Hurting Animals

If you don't think it's worth skipping on a straw, tell it to the poor animals that are suffering from our "convenience".

4. Disney World doesn't even like them

Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom in Florida does not have straws at their park and have a no straw policy. The happiest place on earth doesn't support straws so neither should you!

5. Several Campaigns that promote alternatives

The Last Plastic Straw is an initiative created to cut the consumption of straws in the United States. They and other campaigns are working with business to off straws only upon request to cut the waste. You can sign the Pledge here!

6. They hurt

Per year, there is an average 1,400+ people had injuries sustained due to the use of straws.

7. Other Alternatives

Reusable cups with plastic or glass straws are the answer to the straw obsessive individuals who just can't part. Feel free to mix it up with twisty straws -- just please clean them! On Amazon.com, you can get 31 reusable straws for $9.99, so there's really no excuse.

8. It's really simple

All it takes is a simple "no thanks" to pass on the straw. 2 words. 2,000 fewer years to break down the straw you passed up.

Straws suck, but you don't have to! Ditch the straw and be a superhero.