The ubiquitous plastic drinking straw

Reusable Straws

The ubiquitous plastic drinking straw. While this simple tool has helped quench our thirst for decades, it has also been a devastating addition to our environment. Only over the last few years has the extent of their far-reaching impact been recognized. Developed in the early 1960s to improve upon the paper original, the plastic straw is now discarded by American consumers at a rate of over 500 million per day. Yes, 500 million a day. And that is only by Americans. It is estimated that over 8.3 billion plastic straws have either washed up or been thoughtlessly discarded on the world’s beaches. There can be little doubt that the non-biodegradable plastic straws will become one of the most abundant archeological markers for our species long after homo sapiens have disappeared from the planet.

But the tide is finally turning on this pervasive tiny tube of plastic. Cities worldwide are beginning to ban its use within their borders. Alaskan Airlines is the first carrier, and most likely not the last, to not only phase out plastic straws but plastic stir sticks as well. McDonald’s fast-food restaurants in the UK and Ireland are turning to alternatives and, Starbuck, a ubiquitous entity in and of itself will renounce the sippy tool in 2020.

Today’s archeologists theorize that the original utensil evolved from a piece of ryegrass. A century ago, it became a minute tube of waxy paper and  then, with the invention of plastic, it turned into the durable product we have now. Paper straws are making a comeback, although they are far more environmentally friendly than those slurped through by our grandparents at the local soda shop. Today, the bigger push is to find a  foothold in this billion-dollar industry with a reusable product made from alternative materials.

Examples of these long-lasting straws are now made of glass, silicone, and stainless steel. Some have the classic straight shape, some are slightly bent, and some have adjustable lengths. Most come with cleaning brushes, but each is designed to accompany daily life, be cleaned, and reused like standard metal eating utensils.

For most people, drinking straws are a small, almost inconsequential, part of their lives and seems hardly worth the lifestyle change. For the world at large, however,  permanent latency of these plastic tubes will continually damage the environment and harm wildlife.

Making the switch to alternative straws can be a bit of a challenge. After all, you have to remember to carry it with you and clean it after each use. But while small, making the choice to move from a single-use product to a reusable is a significant commitment.

Product examples:

OTAGO twin pack of collapsible, reusable straws are made of food-grade silicone.  They come in a portable case with a cleaning brush. These reusable drinking straws are made of environmentally friendly silicone and it is estimated that each one can save 584 plastic straws from entering our environment per year.

They are BPA free and FDA approved. Dishwasher safe. They are perfect for either hot or cold drinks.

StrawExpert offers a set of 16 stainless steel straws with various lengths and drinking angles. They utilize soft, silicone tips to ensure a gentle touch. Made from premium silver-colored 18/8 stainless steel, the sustainable straws are FDA approved, BPA, and lead-free. They are durable, dishwasher safe, washable, rust and scratch proof. They also come with a travel case and cleaning brush.

Another portable drinking stainless steel straw is made by Yooccaa. Unlike those discussed above, the Yooccaa are a unique telescopic design, which makes them perfect for 12-40 ounce cups. The straw comes in a pocket case to keep it clean and handy. FDA approved, BPA-Free, dishwasher safe, and environmentally friendly, these reusable straws are made of food-grade 304 stainless steel that can stand against scratches, rust, and crushing.

Plasticless offers an eco-friendly alternative that seems like a hybrid between the original paper straw and the modern rigid units. Plasticless straws are plant-based, compostable, and petrochemicals free.  While they are sturdy, the straws are bendable, but will not become soggy or disintegrate in your drink.

A revolutionary turn from plastic is the glass straws from HeykirHome. Available in both straight and curved tubes, these reusable straws are perfect for cold drinks. They are made from food-grade borosilicate glass. They can withstand high and low temperatures and are crush-resistant. They are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and of course, 100% BPA free.  While they come with cleaning brushes, they can be washed in the dishwasher.