The Greene Turtle Sports Bar and Grille announced that, starting on World Turtle Day, May 23, its restaurants are going straw free, in an effort to protect marine life. Over 500 million plastic straws are used each day in the United States. By going straw free, The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille is saving over 7 million plastic straws from entering the ecosystem. Biodegradable straws, provided by Aardvark straws, will be available for certain beverages and upon request.

In support of the restaurant’s effort, Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol with a vast collection of brands across spirits and beer, will donate $1 of every bottle of Naked Turtle Rum sold at The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille to the Sea Turtle Conservancy to help promote awareness about the different species of sea turtles and the various threats to their survival. A few of the signature drinks at The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille featuring Naked Turtle Rum include: “Original Blood Orange Hell in the Shell” (Naked Turtle White Rum, Tequila, Gin, Cranberry, Sprite, Blood Orange Sour, Peach Schnapps and New Amsterdam Vodka); “Hurricane Hell in the Shell” (Naked Turtle White Rum, Southern Comfort, Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Citrus Sour and Grenadine); and the “Light & Stormy” (Naked Turtle White Rum, Bitters and Gosling’s Ginger Beer)

“The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille values protecting marine life,” says Layla Nielsen, Senior Director of Marketing at The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille. “We are excited to do our part by skipping the straw and helping reduce the number of plastic straws in the ecosystem.”

First opened in Ocean City, Maryland, in 1976, The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille today includes 46 locations in markets across Maryland and extending into Washington, D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Long Island, New York. Combining comfort food, a casual atmosphere and a sports bar theme marked by big screen TVs broadcasting local and national events, “The Turtle” has become a popular year-round destination where families, friends and fans of all ages feel at home. CBS Baltimore named The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille among the best local spots to enjoy “March Madness.”