Molly Steer, a nine-year-old from Cairns, was inspired to take action after watching the documentary A Plastic Ocean. She learned that plastic never breaks down and is devastating marine life, with straws, bags, and other waste harming turtles, birds, and fish—and ultimately humans who consume seafood. Shocked by the scale of the problem, particularly the 500 million straws used daily, Molly realized that even small, everyday items like straws have a lasting impact on the planet.
Determined to make a difference, Molly launched the Straw No More campaign, beginning with her own school. With the support of teachers and classmates, she succeeded in removing plastic straws from the canteen and soon began spreading her message through local media outlets. Her campaign quickly grew, with other schools in Cairns and across Australia joining in, followed by interest from communities around the world, including New Zealand, England, America, and South Korea.
Molly emphasizes that while some people with disabilities need straws, most of us do not—and those who want an alternative can use reusable or biodegradable options. She believes living straw-free is simple: it starts with saying no and explaining why. Thanks to her leadership, thousands of students are already helping to keep millions of straws out of the environment near the Great Barrier Reef each year. Molly’s mission continues, as she aims to eliminate plastic straws from every school in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, and eventually the world—because, as she says, “straws really do suck.”
Journal and reflect on the following
Why do you think Molly was so deeply moved by the film A Plastic Ocean, and what does this tell us about the power of storytelling?
How can small actions, like saying no to a straw, make a big difference when many people join in together?
What does Molly’s campaign teach us about the role of young people in creating change?
How do you balance caring for people who genuinely need straws with protecting the environment from unnecessary plastic waste?
In what ways does plastic pollution affect not only animals but also humans?
What everyday habits in your own life could you change to reduce your impact on the environment?
Molly calls her campaign Straw No More. If you were to start your own project, what would it be called, and what issue would you focus on?
Discuss
Song - Heal the World
Final Prayer
Loving Creator,
we thank You for the gift of the oceans, teeming with life and beauty, sustaining us and reminding us of Your endless love. Forgive us for the times we have neglected or harmed this sacred gift, and inspire us to be faithful stewards of creation. May the courage of young voices, like Molly’s, awaken in us a new commitment to protect the seas, care for all creatures, and live with simplicity and respect. Bless our small daily choices, that together they may ripple outward into healing for the earth and hope for future generations. Amen.
