No Straw November
Plastic straws are a major contributor to ocean pollution, and together we can change that. No Straw November began as a simple call to notice the single‑use plastic straws we go through in just one month. Jr Ocean Guardians invites you to skip plastic straws all November long and track how many you prevent from entering our ocean. This small action is meant to spark a bigger realization: if one tiny straw adds up, imagine the impact of all the other plastics we use without thinking. Share the challenge, spread the word, and join the movement with #NoStrawNovember.
No Straw November Milestone Achievements
The No Straw November Milestone Achievements highlight the key moments that have shaped this movement into a recognized force for reducing single‑use plastics. From policy wins to corporate shifts and widespread public awareness, these milestones show how one simple idea sparked meaningful environmental change. Explore the achievements that continue to push this initiative forward.
2017 — No Straw November Begins
Shelby O’Neil first sparked the idea for No Straw November while teaching kids about plastic pollution in a classroom. She realized she could explain the problem all day long, but without something fun and hands‑on, the message wouldn’t stick. That moment inspired her to create a month dedicated to noticing and understanding personal plastic use. “No Straw November” rolled off the tongue instantly, and from that spark, the movement was born.
2017 & 2018 — Corporate Impact Takes Off
Shelby writes to major companies in aviation, healthcare, and beverage industries urging them to reduce single‑use plastics. Alaska Airlines, Dignity Health, and Farmer Brothers respond and commit to cutting plastic straws, stirrers, and lids. These partnerships help eliminate over 40 million plastic straws annually
2018 — Statewide Recognition in California
California adopts the SCR‑139 No Straw November Resolution, formally recognizing the movement. Shelby also contributes to the passage of the “Straws Upon Request” bill, which limits automatic straw distribution in restaurants statewide.
2018 — National Gold Award Girl Scout
In October 2018, Shelby O’Neil was named a National Gold Award Girl Scout, the highest honor in Girl Scouts of the USA. Only ten Girl Scouts nationwide receive this distinction each year, selected from thousands who earn their Gold Award. Shelby was recognized for founding Jr Ocean Guardians and launching No Straw November
2020 — National Geographic Young Explorer & Expansion of Educational Resources
In 2020, Shelby O’Neil was selected as a National Geographic Young Explorer, a recognition awarded to emerging leaders advancing bold ideas for a healthier planet. This support helped elevate the reach of No Straw November and provided resources to expand Jr Ocean Guardians’ educational materials. During this period, the Spanish‑language edition of the ocean activity book was further developed and distributed more widely, ensuring that ocean literacy tools were accessible to more classrooms, families, and youth programs across the Americas. Shelby’s Young Explorer platform strengthened the initiative’s global visibility and reinforced the importance of multilingual, youth‑centered environmental education.
2019 - 2023 — Expanding Awareness Through Themed Patches
From 2019 to 2023, No Straw November patches explored the deeper systems connected to plastic production, using annual themes to highlight how a simple straw reflects far‑reaching environmental and human‑rights issues. In 2019, the patch focused on Cancer Alley, drawing attention to the communities in Louisiana disproportionately affected by petrochemical pollution tied to plastic manufacturing. The 2020 patch encouraged Americans to participate in the voting process, underscoring how environmental progress is shaped by civic engagement and policy decisions. In 2021, the theme shifted to protecting the Arctic, emphasizing the link between fossil fuel extraction, plastic production, and the rapid loss of fragile polar ecosystems. The 2022 patch centered on climate change, showing how plastics contribute to global emissions long before they become waste. By 2023, a playful Barbie‑inspired patch used pop culture to spark conversations about the complex oil‑to‑plastic pipeline, illustrating how plastic production intersects with environmental justice, labor, and human rights. Together, these patches helped broaden the movement’s educational reach and reveal the full story behind single‑use plastics.
Ongoing — Continuing the Mission Beyond the Patches
While No Straw November patches are currently on pause, the month remains an important time for families, troops, and individuals to reflect on their own plastic use and recognize the role they play in protecting our ocean. Jr Ocean Guardians is currently focused on expanding free, reliable educational resources, so people of all ages can continue accessing high‑quality ocean literacy tools year‑round.
No Straw November Patch History
No Straw November has also become a fun patch program for troops and anyone who wants to earn a patch. Each patch is a symbol of your commitment to skipping plastic straws and learning more about the resources we use every day. The number of straws on the patch shows which year it was made, so you can count them to tell its story.
