What Are The Alternative For Plastic Straws?

Plastic straws are a common item that we use every day, but they can have a big impact on the environment. According to Eco Cycle, people use around 500 million drinking straws a day in the United States alone, enough to fill more than 127 school buses!

Recently, the awareness about plastic pollution has been raised 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!

Today, I wanted to share with you 6 alternatives to plastic straws that I have been using for the past few years. Hopefully, by the end of this blog post, you’ll feel inspired to eliminate plastic straws from your home and join the growing movement toward a cleaner, healthier planet.

Reusable Metal Straws

One of the most popular sustainable alternatives 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: The problem with plastic is that it cannot decompose and return to nature. According to WWF, a typical plastic straw used for an average of 10 to 20 minutes can take up to 200 years to decompose.

Beyond durability, metal straws come in a variety of shapes and sizes; they can be straight, bent, or extra-wide for smoothies, so you can choose one that fits your lifestyle. Some even come in stylish travel cases so you can carry them on the go.

Pro Tip: Most reusable metal straws also come with their own cleaning brush that is specifically designed to clean. For the best and most thorough cleaning, it is best to hand wash them instead of relying on your dishwasher to ensure the inside is clean and any residue is removed.

And of course, no product is perfect. Just like plastic straws, metal straws can feel cold or hot depending on the beverage. However, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by their environmental benefits.

Summary: If you are looking for a way to reduce your plastic waste, reusable metal straws are a great alternative. Not only are they 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: Paper straw was invented and widely used nearly 70 years before cheap, single-use plastic straws became popular in the 1960s. According to Footprint, Marvin Stone filed a patent for drinking straws made of manila paper in 1888 after he got tired of the unpleasant grassy flavor of the natural rye grass straws.

Paper straws are biodegradable and compostable, which means 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 many times.

Fun Fact: According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, plastic straws are among the top 5 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.

Another cool feature of glass straws is that they can be recycled infinitely, meaning it can be melted down and reformed into a new glass product over and over again, which further minimizes and reduces your environmental impact.

Glass straws also enhance your drinking experience because they are transparent, so you can see if they’re clean inside (which adds peace of mind!) 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.

Photo: © MelanieMaya via Getty Images

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.

Beyond being eco-friendly, bamboo straws have unique benefits. Because they are made from natural bamboo wood, they are naturally antimicrobial. This means they resist bacterial growth and provide long-lasting protection against harmful microbes. (This makes them a safe and hygienic choice for everyday use!).

Pro Tip: Bamboo straws do require a little care. They can become splinters if not handled properly, and it’s best to let them dry completely to prevent mold.

Bamboo straws are also non-toxic, compostable, and lightweight, making them easy to carry and perfect for on-the-go lifestyles.

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.

Photo: © Olenaa via Getty Images

Edible Straws

The name says it all - a straw you can actually 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

Among the many alternatives to plastic straws, one of the simplest and most impactful choices is to skip them entirely. While reusable and biodegradable straws are excellent options, the truth is that most of us don’t actually need a straw for everyday drinks!

Using a straw might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference for our planet. There are many sustainable alternatives to plastic straws, but 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: Both Plastic and sustainable straws can be expensive, especially if you buy them regularly. By not using straws, you won't need to keep buying them!
• 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.

Pro Tip: For those who find it difficult to go without a straw, 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.

“It’s only one straw,” said 8 billion people. Ask yourself before using them, is a 15-minute sip really worth 200 years of pollution?

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 that can be reused many times.
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, the most sustainable option is often to skip them altogether. This can help save you money too!

In summary, the most important step you can take after reading this blog is to eliminate plastic straws from your daily routine. Whether you choose a reusable option, a biodegradable alternative, or decide to skip straws altogether, every choice helps reduce plastic waste and protect our environment.

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.