5 Questions for Mo's Seafood & Chowder
When asking for a straw during a recent visit to Mo's Seafood & Chowder in the original Newport, Oregon location, we found out that they only provide them upon request due to the negative impact of single-use straws on the environment, most particularly the impact on sea turtles. So we asked owner Gabrielle McEntee, the great-granddaughter of the original Mo herself, five questions about the the decision and what was behind it.
1) What inspired Mo’s to eliminate the use of plastic straws?
We have always strived to be environmentally conscious…and its expensive to do so but worth it. In the 80’s we eliminated all styrofoam (Newport Mo’s only) and have been recycling whatever possible for the last 35 years. In other words to eliminate straws is part and parcel of how we want to run our restaurant. The fact that so many others restaurants are doing the same was really inspiring and because its so easy to do…who should possible say no.
2) What reasons initially sparked the conversation?
What initially sparked the conversation were various posts on Facebook and news articles pointing out the dangers of single use plastics to wildlife especially fish and birds. My office overlooks the Yaquina Bay so I am constantly reminded of what a beautiful place this is and how much it needs our attention and our protection. My restaurant sells fish and so it makes sense to help preserve healthy fish stocks for the future of the business. The other thing that is really cool about this community is that there are some many businesses for banning the straw…its helpful to get community support…not that I needed that personally but as visitors go from one place to another and are never given a straw they will hopefully be getting the message.
3) Has your campaign inspired your customers to be more aware of the effect on our ecosystems?
At this point I have no way of really knowing what effect it is having on our customers (except the ones who are irritated that they are not given as straw automatically) That said I have hung informational signs and have also overheard customers talking about straws and what it means to our environment. This is all good. When I wait tables I keep track on a white board that all the employees can see of how many straws I give out during my shift. The other servers have started doing the same thing.
We have always strived to be environmentally conscious…and its expensive to do so but worth it. In the 80’s we eliminated all styrofoam (Newport Mo’s only) and have been recycling whatever possible for the last 35 years. In other words to eliminate straws is part and parcel of how we want to run our restaurant. The fact that so many others restaurants are doing the same was really inspiring and because its so easy to do…who should possible say no.
2) What reasons initially sparked the conversation?
What initially sparked the conversation were various posts on Facebook and news articles pointing out the dangers of single use plastics to wildlife especially fish and birds. My office overlooks the Yaquina Bay so I am constantly reminded of what a beautiful place this is and how much it needs our attention and our protection. My restaurant sells fish and so it makes sense to help preserve healthy fish stocks for the future of the business. The other thing that is really cool about this community is that there are some many businesses for banning the straw…its helpful to get community support…not that I needed that personally but as visitors go from one place to another and are never given a straw they will hopefully be getting the message.
3) Has your campaign inspired your customers to be more aware of the effect on our ecosystems?
At this point I have no way of really knowing what effect it is having on our customers (except the ones who are irritated that they are not given as straw automatically) That said I have hung informational signs and have also overheard customers talking about straws and what it means to our environment. This is all good. When I wait tables I keep track on a white board that all the employees can see of how many straws I give out during my shift. The other servers have started doing the same thing.
4) Does Mo's offer any non- plastic straw alternatives?
At this time we do not have an alternative to plastic straws. However I have been in contact with a company and I hoping to get an order of paper straws in before our summer schedule starts. They will also only be given upon request.
5) What are some other ways people can help reduce their plastic use in businesses?
We use stainless portion cups for sauces and sides. Restaurants can also use "to go boxes" and utensils that are biodegradable.
At this time we do not have an alternative to plastic straws. However I have been in contact with a company and I hoping to get an order of paper straws in before our summer schedule starts. They will also only be given upon request.
5) What are some other ways people can help reduce their plastic use in businesses?
We use stainless portion cups for sauces and sides. Restaurants can also use "to go boxes" and utensils that are biodegradable.
