On October 3rd, Turtyle paper straw company held its official ‘green carpet,’ ribbon-cutting ceremony at Nickelodeon Studio. Turtyle is the first paper straw company with products and all materials used made in the USA.
Elective government officials, celebrities, dignitaries, business and community leaders gathered at Nickelodeon Studio in Burbank, California, where Turtyle is headquartered, for the special event that also honored actor and longtime environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. with a special ‘Pinnacle Award.”
“At Turtyle, we hold the highest standards in paper straw manufacturing as well as environmental safety. For our premiere event, we wanted to honor the single most exemplary individual who has been a champion for the environment, Ed Begley Jr.” said Gagik Panosyan, one of the founders of Turtyle. He added, “Mr. Begley embodies green and eco-friendly living, values we take very seriously at Turtyle.
Begley Jr. commented, “I’m so honored to be part of the wonderful work that Turtyle is doing to reduce the scourge of single-use plastic. Most of us have seen the devastating video of the sea turtle with a plastic straw lodged in its nose but weren’t sure how to help.”
Turtyle also presented a check for $1,000 to the Begley Family Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and environmental justice through education in the arts.
Accomplished marine biologist, Christine Figgener was also in attendance. In 2015, the German-born conservationist garnered international recognition when a video she uploaded documenting the removal of a plastic straw from a sea turtle’s nose went viral. The video was the true inspiration for the founding of Turtyle.
“It feels surreal that my video has had such an impact, inspiring so many people to do better and find solutions for our plastic crisis, such as Turtyle’s paper straws. I am incredibly honored to have been invited to Turtyle’s grand opening,” remarked Figgener.
Elected officials and dignitaries on hand were the city of Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, Councilmember Bob Frutos, Assistant City Manager Chenin Dow, Vickere Murphy Representing Senator Anthony J. Portantino, LA County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, Jason Maruca Representing Supervisor Kathryn Barger, LA Department of Disability Executive Director Stephen Simon, LA 5th District Councilmember Paul Koretz, 43 District Assembly Member Laura Friedman, City of Lancaster Councilmember Angela Underwood-Jacobs, LA Area Chamber of Commerce Chief of Staff Brian Barry and Lancaster Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Hemstreet.
Mayor Gabel-Luddy, Councilmember Underwood-Jacobs, Councilmember Koretz, Assessor Prang, and Assembly member Friedman gave speeches praising Turtyle’s environmentally conscious paper straws, as well as Ed Begley Jr. and Christine’s Figgener for their significant contribution to the green movement.
Other celebrities in attendance included Rachelle Carson-Begley, Elizabeth Small, Patrika Darbo, Miles Tagtmeyer, Lexy Kolker, Ava Kolker, Kat Kramer, Nicholas Guest, Charlene Tilton, Jillian Estell and Craig Young.
Award-winning comedian, Paul Green emceed the event and singer/songwriter Reina Mora gave a special music performance.
“Turtyle’s grand opening could not have been more perfect. It was apropos to launch an exceptional product that helps the environment as well as being the next-generation paper straw that is stronger and lasts longer, with a big celebration at the beautiful Nickelodeon Studio. To have so many elected officials, dignitaries, celebrities, business and community leaders join us, and honor two exceptional individuals was very gratifying,” added Gerami.
Gift bag sponsors included Attitude Hair Care, Bee Stung Cosmetics, Biolage Hair Care, Ecco Bella Skincare and 100% Pure Cosmetics.
Videos Courtesy of Bionic Buzz/Jackie Lewis Productions. Photos Courtesy of Turtyle.
