It’s time to address the plastic straw problem.
Chances are, in the past few days, you probably used a plastic straw. After all, in the United States alone, millions of straws are used every single day. While a plastic straw may seem like a trivial insignificant item at first, each straw adds up over time to create devastating consequences on our planet Earth. The majority of these straws end up in landfills or find their way into oceans, where they harm animals such as turtles and seabirds.
What can we do to help combat this?
As consumers, we are directly responsible for our purchases and the effect they have on the Earth. Every action, big or small, is important. Over the past few years, many plastic straw alternatives have appeared on the market, such as metal, glass, paper, and bamboo.
Each alternative has its own pros and cons. Below, you can find my personal discussion on the differences and main points of each type of straw.
Metal Straws
Metal straws are one of the most common options on the market.
Pros: Metal straws are great options for those seeking extremely durable straws. If you take proper care of your straw, it can last a long time. These straws are typically made of stainless steel, giving the straw a sleek silver look.
Cons: These straws can conduct heat easily, as they are made of metal. Be careful using these straws for hot beverages.
Links to buy:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XYEgd6
Target: https://bit.ly/2MTqUbA
Glass Straws
Glass straws are another popular choice, with varying pros and cons when compared to the standard disposable plastic straw.
Pros: Glass straws come in a variety of colors, ranging from the traditional transparent to colorful ones.
If you get a clear glass straw, cleaning your straw becomes much easier, as you can clearly see whether or not residue remains on your straw after washing.
Cons: These straws are more fragile since they are made of glass. If you choose to buy a glass straw, make sure to handle it carefully!
Link to buy:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XZqpmX
Paper Straws
Paper straws are another alternative with varying pros and cons.
Pros: Paper straws, by far, come in the most variety of designs and colors. From stripes to polka dots to solid colors, you can find any type of pattern on paper straws.
Cons: Paper straws are not reusable. After a single-use, the paper straw will often become soggy, which means you will have to throw out the straw. If you’re just looking for a quick drink, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Links to buy:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YDl83E
Target: https://bit.ly/3d1wtzv
Bamboo Straws
Bamboo straws are also great alternatives to plastic straws.
Pros: These straws are sustainably manufactured out of bamboo. If you buy a bamboo straw, make sure to select a manufacturer who only cuts off the tip of the bamboo, so the bamboo can continue to grow! In addition, they are 100% biodegradable. These straws are reusable and should last 2–3 months with proper care.
Cons: Depending on the straw, there may be a woody taste from the bamboo. This can be fixed with a silicone tip.
Links to buy:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XXDyg2
Notes on Reusable Straws
- To clean a reusable straw, you will need a special bristle brush that is long and thin in order to properly reach inside the straw. There are lots of reusable straw packs for sale that include everything you need, such as the straws, a cleaner, and a case.
- I tried to select links based on various factors including its popularity, whether the product includes cleaning bristle brushes and cases, and more. Make sure to do your own research on plastic straw alternatives, and don’t forget to take the whole environmental impact into consideration, from the carbon footprint due to manufacturing and distribution to the impacts after you are finished using the straw.
The Big Takeaway
Plastic straws can be incredibly damaging to the environment. While no straw can be perfect, there is a multitude of plastic straw alternatives that are a step in the right direction.
As we’re living through this pandemic, it’s imperative that we consider our actions and the consequences that come with them, especially when more people are eating takeout meals with large amounts of waste and plastic containers from the to-go order. To-go drinks come with straws and most of the time, restaurants add in several straws in the to-go order.
Being mindful of our decisions, big and small, are crucial for our environment and preserving the beauty of the earth, whether it be through being mindful of the amount of plastic that we use on a daily basis or even the linens that we throw away on a day-to-day basis.
Every straw is important — if everyone got rid of just one plastic straw today, collectively, we could create a huge impact. So, what are you waiting for?
Sources
Gibbens, Sarah. “A Brief History of How Plastic Straws Took over the World.” Plastic Straw Bans Are Spreading: Here’s How They Took over the World, National Geographic, 3 Jan. 2019, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/07/news-plastic-drinking-straw-history-ban/
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