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People Are Sick of Plastic Straws: Is Comedy Hurting the Anti-Plastic Movement?

How To Protect The Ocean

Release Date: 11/08/2024

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How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the significant return of the Southern Resident orca population, specifically L-Pod, to Penn Cove, Washington, after more than 50 years. This return is particularly poignant given the tragic history of the area, where in the 1970s, a brutal capture event took place. During this event, 80 orcas were corralled using bombs and boats, resulting in the deaths of five orcas and the capture of many others, including Tokite, also known as Lolita, who spent 50 years in captivity before passing away in 2023. The...

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More Episodes

Are you sick of hearing about plastic straws? Andrew Santino, a comedian, doesn't think that plastic straws are hurting sea turtles even though a video went viral for a scientist pulling a plastic straw from a sea turtle's nose in Costa Rica. Four months later, the same scientist pulled a plastic fork from a sea turtle's nose about 70 kilometres from the original site. 

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the influence of comedy on public perception, particularly regarding the anti-single-use plastic movement. He begins by referencing a stand-up bit by comedian Andrew Santino, who humorously questions the narrative surrounding plastic straws and their impact on sea turtles. Santino's comedic approach raises concerns for Lewin, who worries that audiences may take such jokes seriously and dismiss the real issues of plastic pollution.

Lewin emphasizes that while comedy can be entertaining, it can also perpetuate misinformation. He highlights the viral incident of a sea turtle with a plastic straw lodged in its nose, which became a symbol for the dangers of single-use plastics. Despite the comedic dismissal of such incidents, Lewin argues that they are significant and represent a larger problem of plastic pollution affecting marine life.

The episode underscores the power comedians hold in shaping public discourse. Lewin points out that many people rely on comedians for information, which can lead to misunderstandings about environmental issues. He expresses concern that jokes trivializing the impact of plastics may lead to apathy or skepticism about the anti-single-use plastic movement.

Ultimately, Lewin calls for a deeper understanding of the issue, urging listeners to recognize plastic straws as a gateway to the broader problem of plastic pollution. He invites feedback from the audience on their thoughts regarding the role of comedy in environmental advocacy, highlighting the need for accurate communication in the fight against plastic waste.

Video of Sea Turtle with Plastic Straw in its nose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wH878t78bw&t=401s

Video of Sea Turtle with Plastic Fork in its nose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiTABRQOjk&t=8s

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