I grew up in a time when litter was an even bigger problem than it is now, but it is starting to get bad again. I taught my kids (now adults) to pick up what they could as well as recycling, and I'm glad to say they still do this. Your kids will too, so well done for teaching them the importance of taking care of things (and respecting this big sphere we call home).

I've found this as well but I appreciate that some coffee shops have begun using the cups that have a "built in" straw/are modeled differently so that one is not needed

I used to use a lot of straws too, but purchased reusable ones (to go with my reusable beverage containers).