disposable plastic straws, Environment issues Few people would think so. But consider the popularity of drinks like fountain soda, iced lattes, and bubble tea. If you add up all the plastic straws that come with it, you end up with a lot of plastic waste.
According to Australian researchers, 8.3 billion plastic straws Beaches around the world are littered with trash, approximately one piece of trash for every person alive. These straws are difficult to recycle and are rarely accepted at streetlight programs or adoption centers, but most importantly, they add to the plastic catastrophe happening in our oceans.
Switching to reusable straws reduces the demand for disposable polypropylene (#5 plastic) straws. 1.5g CO2 emissions. It may not sound like a big deal, but Approximately 500 million straws are used every day in the United States. CO2 emissions amounted to 1.6 million pounds, or 301,757.36 tons per year.
The good news is that there are many practical alternatives to single-use plastic straws. Among them are his nine choices below.
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1. Reusable plastic
Reusable plastic alternatives are probably not the best solution, but they are much better than their disposable counterparts.Remember crazy straw?Why not keep the couple in the office??
2.Acrylic
Step up, acrylic straw These are the kind of straws you find in reusable cups sold at your local coffee shop or donut shop. Although acrylic is durable, it may show signs of wear from the dishwasher.
3. Glass
elegant and sustainable glass straw It can enhance your fancy factor.
4. Metal
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glass, aluminum etc. stainless steel straws Although it transmits temperature, nothing beats metal in terms of ease of use and durability. Additionally, imagine drinking from a chilled metal straw the same way you would use a chilled mug.
5. Bamboo
We all know about bamboo's renewable potential as a resource. Why not harness its strength and versatility to create a sustainable society? bamboo straw?
6. Plant-based/compostable
If disposables are important to you, choose plant-based products that are easily compostable. Try the seasoning edible straw We are also developing products using seaweed-based materials.
7. Paper
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classic striped paper straws They add a bit of whimsy and vintage flair to your lemonade, but be careful, some of them will go bad. aardvark is an official partner of Seattle Strawless and is known for making stronger straws.
8. Don't use straws at all
This is our recommended approach. Is going straw-free a radical move, or is it simply an effort to stop sucking, as Strawless Ocean claims?
don't forget
If you choose a reusable straw, keep in mind that you will need to clean it. Because straws are the perfect environment for all sorts of nasty substances to grow. This isn't always easy, but many companies that make reusable straws also offer services such as: Convenient thin brush For that very purpose.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on April 24, 2018 and updated in March 2024.