29A Venture Concept No. 2

Within recent years videos surfaced on the Internet of turtles having plastic straws such in their noses from consumption. These videos blew up all over social media, launching what I refer to as "the straw epidemic." From this, restaurants all across the country have changed their products to be more environmentally-friendly and efficient. They have strayed away from the enjoyable, useful plastic straws that have been used for many years, and created an alternative: the paper straw. The plastic straws were looked at as harmful and unsafe for the environment. While people were still using plastic cups, plastic lids, and plastic containers, they focused their efforts on the straw: as it was not only harmful because it was plastic, but because the turtles were suffering from it. Because customers voiced their opinions for an alternative, companies' created the paper straw. As soon as it hit the market customers were happy that the restaurants and stores were listening to them and making an effort to save the sea turtles. However, as the paper straws hit the stores, customers quickly realized this was not the answer. They were becoming soft, malleable, and made their experience unsatisfactory. I know for a fact a Venti Caramel Iced Coffee from Starbucks tastes much different in a plastic straw than a paper straw, and for $4 a cup it better taste right, or an unhappy customer will result. People turned to buying their own metal straws and carrying them around with them to voice their impact, but also not have to suffer with the weak paper straw. Yet, this was not a sanitary solution.

Therefore, I present my business model: A 100% biodegradable straw made of plants, yet has the consistency of a plastic straw, but none of the effects. This product gives customers the ability to have a clean conscience on their impact on the environment, but also enjoy their drink through the straw. When the straw is done and thrown away into the world, the biodegradable material will give nutrients to the earth and dissolve within five years. I believe this opportunity is huge in a world that is focusing its efforts on earth-friendly products and doing away with the plastic straws. Cities from Gainesville, Florida all the way to Portland, Oregon and everywhere in-between have shifted product to paper straws, rather than plastic. Yet, I have never meet someone who is 100% satisfied with their paper straw. In fact, I know people who keep plastic ones handy for when they are in an area with only paper straws. People are willing to sacrifice satisfaction to save the Earth, but I am presenting a product where you can save the planet, but also be satisfied at the same time. This opportunity is huge in America right now, and I believe it will be for many years ahead, eventually phasing all plastic straws out and replacing them with 100% biodegradable ones.

My exact product is a 100% biodegradable straw. It has the consistency of a plastic straw, the same feel, touch, and durability, but is actually good for the environment. These straws will be found everywhere: gas station fountain drinks, restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream parlors. It is simply a familiar straw that everyone loves, yet when it is disposed of it does not go and float in the oceans and kill sea turtles; but instead gives back nutrients to the environment. I will be selling these straws to restaurants directly, typically those on a lower scale who buy their own products, as well as the distributors who supply large chain restaurants and shops, such as Aardavark.

I believe that my product will bring satisfaction back to the drinking world that has recently been taken over by the environmental movement. As someone who loves the environment, especially the sea turtles, I am all about making a better impact on the environment. However, I do not believe that the people need to be left unsatisfied with their drinks in order to make a postive impact on our environment. I believe that my straw will bring back happiness and pleasure in their drinking experience, while knowing they are making a good impact on the environment. I also know that this 100% biodegradable straw will be leaving a better impact on the environment than even the paper straws are. I believe that restaurants will want to give a product to their customers that will leave them satisfied and happy. Therefore, I believe they, the restaurants and stores I will distribute to, will want to invest in this product because they not only want have a satisfied customer, but also be known for the earth-friendly products they are investing in and giving out. By creating this product everyone will be left happy: the consumers, the restaurants, me, and most importantly, the planet. Therefore, I present the 100% biodegradable straw, ready to change your drinking experience to another level.

The feedback I received was mostly good, especially how adamant and focused I was on my goal. The one thing my feedback suggested was to state what my next move was in my business, I believe they were referring to who I would be selling this product to. I tried to state that in this venture concept more clearly, to give a better understanding of not only what my product was, but who exactly I was intending to sell to. From the feedback I chose to describe exactly who my goal was to sell to, but also state who the product was intended for, as they are a little difference since I am selling to a restaurant/store but the product is for the customer. Overall, I feel like I took the feedback and made a better, clearer vision.