What Are The Alternative For Plastic Straws?

Recently, the awareness about plastic pollution has been noticed by most people around the globe. It got to the point that most cities and towns are having restricted laws on limiting the use of plastic products, and big companies like Starbucks have also begun to eliminate single-use plastic straws from their store globally.

Fun Fact: According to Homewood Disposal, plastic straws are not recyclable and are not accepted in curbside recycling programs because they are too lightweight to make it through the mechanical recycling sorter.

Plastic straws are a common item that we use every day, but they can have a big impact on the environment. Today, I wanted to share with you 6 alternatives to plastic straws that I been using for the past few years. Hopefully, after reading this blog post, you'll decide to eliminate plastic straws from your house.

Reusable Metal Straws

One sustainable alternative to plastic straws is reusable metal straws. Made from stainless steel, copper, or aluminum, they are durable and can be reused hundreds or even thousands of times before needing to be replaced, which significantly reduces your plastic waste.

Fun Fact: In the United States alone, people use around 500 million drinking straws every day. Although the plastic they are made from is technically recyclable, we all know they are not accepted in curbside recycling programs.

Most metal straws also come with their own cleaning brush that is specifically designed to clean them, making it a much quicker and easy to clean process.

Summary: If you are looking for a way to reduce your plastic waste, reusable metal straws are a great alternative option. Not only do they are extremely durable, non-toxic, easy to clean, and widely available at your local store, but they can also be reused many times.

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Paper Straws

As more and more people don't want to use plastic straws, many coffee shops and restaurants are starting to switch to paper straws. Starbucks is one of the leading companies using paper straws as part of their commitment to reducing plastic waste.

Fun Fact: Plastic straws are among the top 10 items found during beach clean-up. Animals and marine life often mistake plastic straws for food and consume them, which is one of the reasons that millions of wildlife animals die every year.

Paper straws are biodegradable and compostable, which mean they will break down into organic materials, leaving a smaller footprint on the earth than plastic straws.

Paper straws are also tasteless and stay waterproof long enough for you to enjoy your drink. However, they can be quite annoying to some slow drinkers who want to take time and enjoy their cup of coffee.

Summary: Overall, paper straws are a great alternative to plastic straws. They are made from renewable materials and are biodegradable and compostable, which means they will break down naturally in the environment. Many restaurants and coffee shops have already made the switch to paper straws, making it easier for consumers to choose the eco-friendly option.

Photo: © Anastasiia Yanishevska via Getty Images

Reusable Glass Straws

Another great sustainable alternative to plastic straws is glass straws. Made from borosilicate, a type of glass used to make heat-resistant glass bottles and cookware. They are durable, transparent, non-toxic, typically heat resistant, and can be reused for many time.

Fun Fact: The problem with plastic is that it cannot decompose and return to nature. A 15 minutes of using a plastic straw can take up to 200 years to decompose.

Another cool feature of glass straws is that they can be recycled infinitely, which further minimizes and reduces your environmental impact. Additionally, unlike some other straws, glass straws doesn't change the taste of your drink.

Summary: You just have to admit that glass straws do look better on your drink. They are transparent, so you can see your drink clearly. And just like any other sustainable straw, they are durable, non-toxic, recyclable, and reusable. However, glass straws are more fragile and can break if dropped or mishandled.

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Reusable Bamboo Straws

Bamboo straws are an excellent alternative to single-use plastic straws. Sadly at the moment, we (Ecopify) are still working on making bamboo straws available to you, but many other Eco-Friendly companies do offer bamboo straws. You can buy bamboo and other straws on Amazon.

Fun Fact: According to Guinness World Records, bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world. They are a renewable resource that can be harvested over and over again without harming the environment.

Just like any other sustainable alternative to plastic straws, bamboo straws are durable, non-toxic, biodegradable, and compostable. However, they can splinter if they are not handled carefully.

And because bamboo straws are made from 100% natural bamboo wood, they are also antimicrobial. The properties inside the bamboo kill bacteria that penetrate its surface, providing long-lasting protection against harmful bacteria.

Summary: Bamboo straws are considered to be the best eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws because bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world. Bamboo straws are also antimicrobial, biodegradable, and reusable.

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Edible Straws

The name says it all - a straw you can eat. Edible straws are made from a variety of edible materials, such as pasta, rice, or even seaweed, making them consumables or composted after use.

Fun Fact: Plastic straws are made from polypropylene, a type of plastic made from petroleum. The FDA has found this to be food-safe, but a study suggests that chemicals from polypropylene plastic could leach into liquids, releasing compounds that may affect estrogen levels, especially when exposed to heat, acidic beverages, or UV light.

This new invention surprisingly comes in various flavors to add a delightful twist to your sipping experience, and make your drinks taste even better. However, that can also be a potential drawback of edible straws because some people may not like the taste of edible straws, and they can be much more expensive than other alternative straws.

Summary: Edible straws are another sustainable alternative to plastic straws. They are made from a variety of edible materials, such as pasta, rice, or seaweed, which can be both a good and bad thing for your drinking experience. Additionally, edible straws can also be much more expensive than other alternative straws.

Photo: © Kamonchai Mattakulphon via Getty Images

Join The No Straw Movement

Using a straw might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference for our planet. There are many alternatives to plastic straws, and you can even go without a straw. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider skipping the straw the next time you enjoy a drink:

• Reduce Waste: Plastic straws are not recyclable, so every straw you use adds to the pile of trash in landfills. By saying no to straws, you help reduce waste.
• Save Money: Straws can be expensive, especially if you buy them regularly. By not using straws, you won't need to keep buying them because they won't run out.
• Healthier Choices: Some straws are made from materials that may not be good for your health. By skipping the straw, you can enjoy your drink without worrying about what's touching it.
• (Optional): You can consider using something like a sip cup lid if you find it hard to do without a straw, these lids can replace the need for a straw entirely.

Summary: While there are numerous health benefits associated with avoiding straws, it's not what this blog post is for (You can just google it). Going without straws will help you reduce waste and save a little bit of extra money.

Quick Takeaway

If you're looking for ways to reduce your plastic straw usage, here are 6 eco-friendly alternatives:

1. Reusable Metal Straws: Often made from stainless steel, copper, or aluminum. They are a more durable option.
2. Paper Straws: Made from renewable materials, they are biodegradable and compostable. However, they can be weak and soggy for slow drinkers.
3. Reusable Glass Straws: Another durable option. However, they are transparent, so you can see your drink clearly. You just have to admit that glass straws do look better on your drink.
4. Reusable Bamboo Straws: Made from 100% natural bamboo wood, they are antimicrobial, biodegradable, and reusable.
5. Edible Straws: They are made from a variety of edible materials, such as pasta, rice, or seaweed, which can be both a good and bad thing for your drinking experience.
6. No Straws: While there are many alternatives to plastic straws, you can also go without a straw. This can help save you money.

In summary, the most important decision you should be making after reading this blog is to eliminate plastic straws and start switching to the alternative. And for businesses, finding the right plastic straw alternative will depend on your customer's needs and your business goals.

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: What are some alternatives to plastic straws?

Answer: Stainless steel straws, paper straws, glass straws, and bamboo straws are some of the best alternatives to plastic straws. Each eco-friendly option serves different needs and preferences while helping reduce plastic waste.

Question #2: What are the benefits of using alternative straws?

Answer: As you may already know, millions of plastic straws end up in our oceans and waterways every year. This can harm marine life and pollute our environment. By choosing to use alternative straws, you contribute to minimizing pollution and supporting a more sustainable environment.

Question #3: How can I choose the best alternative straw for me?

Answer: When choosing an alternative to plastic straws, it is best for you to consider your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Consider the material, durability, and cost of each option to find the best fit for you.

Question #4: How do I take care of my reusable straws?

Answer: To keep your reusable straws in good condition, rinse them right after each use to prevent residue buildup. For a thorough clean, many experts recommend washing them with warm, soapy water. Some straws also come with cleaning brushes to ensure they're easy to clean, especially for narrow or intricate designs.