Via today’s press release, the City of Greensboro has launched its ‘No Straw November’ program, designed to increase awareness of plastic straw usage and its effect on the environment.

According to the web page, here’s how you can participate in No Straw November

Join fellow Greensboro residents in saying no to plastic straws in November and beyond, take the pledge today!

Restaurants, bars, and other organizations interested in pledging to reduce their straw use, should fill out this form to receive a No Straw November kit!

If your establishment is not using straws or already using reusable or natural alternatives, please fill out this form and let us know so we can add you to our list.

…By saying no thanks to plastic straws and other single-use plastics at drive-throughs, restaurants, bars, and at home.

Let business owners know that you are interested in seeing fewer straws.

Print out these to give to staff and management.

Maybe it’s me, but wouldn’t the paper used to print out forms to make everyone aware of plastic straws cancel out the effect of using fewer plastic straws during ‘No Straw November’? Look I’m all about awareness, but this has that government top-down feel to it that makes me less than comfortable. (I get it–I’m supposed to feel uncomfortable.)

The city also has quite the list of events promoting No Straw November, including tours of the recycling center, the White Street landfill and the solid waste transfer station. Most of the events are right smack in the middle of the day when I—when most of us–are working to earn the money to pay the taxes to fund the city so it can promote No Straw November.