February 25, 2022 - National Skip The Straw Day | National Clam Chowder Day

Welcome to February 25, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate skipping the straw and avoiding the heat in the kitchen. One of the biggest man-made structures on the planet wasn’t created on purpose. Out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is an object known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It covers an area twice the size of Texas and is comprised mostly of plastic bottles and bags. But one of the other big contributors is the plastic straw. These everyday items not only contribute to pollution, but also kill fish and other sea animals who eat them. On National Skip the Straw Day, try using a paper or reusable straw. Maybe even try drinking without one. It’s a small change that can make a big difference. Marlo, I know that you have taken up that challenge for life. Boston and New York have a rivalry that dates back centuries. One State was colonized by the religious Puritans, the other by The New Amsterdam Company. Boston became a center of education. New York was built around banks. And, of course, the Yankees and the Red Sox. This rivalry extends into the world of soup as well. New England clam chowder is a rich, cream based soup made with potatoes, onions, and pork fat. The Manhattan version is tomato based. They are equally delicious, but don’t tell that to any New Englanders. The region is so against the Manhattan recipe that someone once introduced a bill in the Maine legislature to ban the use of tomatoes in chowder. On National Clam Chowder Day, enjoy a delicious bowl of this seafood favorite, but watch out for the hot controversy. I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices