Yes, it is advisable to cut straws before throwing them away. This practice helps to reduce the risk of harm to wildlife, particularly marine animals, if the straws end up in the natural environment. Many animals can mistake small pieces of plastic for food, which can lead to serious health issues or even death. By cutting up straws, you are minimizing the size and shape of the plastic, making it less likely to be ingested by animals. However, it's important to note that even cut-up straws can still cause harm, so it's best to consider using reusable or biodegradable alternatives to plastic straws whenever possible.