Eco-Friendly Plastic straw alternatives

Plastic straws have been a villain in the media recently, and while the news cycle may be prone to hyperbole trust us that their reputation is warranted.

Plastic straws (along with many other plastic materials) are just downright bad for the environment.

It's estimated that 500 million plastic straws are used every day in the United States alone. That's 500 million per day. Plastic straws are not biodegradable meaning each of those straws will stick around for a very long time. Instead of breaking down into compost, plastic straws break down into smaller plastic particles over a period of 200 years, leaching harmful chemicals in the process and making their way into our oceans. It's estimated that 8 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean each year, which makes this a very pressing problem.

What is the impact of plastic straws on the environment?

While you'd be tempted to balance out your straw usage by recycling them, we hate to break it to you but they are very difficult to recycle. Plastic in general is difficult as only around 9% of plastic gets recycled which means more often than not, those straws are being sifted out and sent to a landfill anyway.

1. Litter: Plastic straws are one of the top 10 items found in coastal beach cleanups. They often end up in our oceans and can harm marine wildlife, such as sea turtles and birds, who mistake them for food.
2. Non-degradable: Plastic straws take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to a buildup of plastic waste in the environment.
3. Microplastics: Plastic straws can break down into microplastics, which are small plastic particles that are harmful to the environment and wildlife. Microplastics are easily ingested by marine creatures and can accumulate up the food chain, potentially affecting human health.
4. Fossil Fuels: Plastic straws are made from petroleum, a finite and non-renewable resource. The production of plastic contributes to the use of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases, leading to environmental degradation and climate change.

The only way to reduce the harm plastic straws are doing to the environment is to stop using them and cut down on single-use plastic waste. Fortunately, there is no shortage of choices.

What are the types of alternatives to plastic straws

If you're worried about the plastic straws you have racked up, don't worry. There are several eco-friendly straws to choose from:

1. Paper straws: These are made from biodegradable paper and are a popular alternative to plastic straws. They are durable, eco-friendly, and decompose relatively quickly.
2. Bamboo straws: Bamboo is a renewable resource, and bamboo straws are becoming more popular as an alternative to plastic. They are reusable, durable, and biodegradable, making them a great option for reducing waste.
3. Metal straws: Metal straws are made from stainless steel, titanium, or other metals, and are a durable, reusable, and sustainable alternative to plastic. They are also dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean and maintain.
4. Glass straws: Glass straws are another reusable option that can be used for years. They are transparent and don't alter the taste of drinks, but can be fragile and need to be handled with care.
5. Silicone straws: Silicone straws are made from a flexible material that is safe, reusable, and easy to clean. They are also BPA-free and don't contain any harmful chemicals.