Have you ever taken a moment to consider just how many disposable plastic straws you might have used in your lifetime? Or maybe even just in the last year? The answer might be considerably high.
Every year, the global levels of plastic pollution increase and around 8 million tons of plastic end up being dumped into the ocean. Did you know that a considerable amount of plastic is in the form of plastic straws?
As sustainability gains more traction, we must live a more sustainable lifestyle wherever we can. One of the first things we can do is stop using plastic straws. Here are 7 eco-friendly alternatives that you can use instead of single-use, disposable plastic straws:
Steel Straws
Stainless steel straws are readily available at most stores and online retailers like Amazon. They are super long-lasting, don’t break easily, and stay rust-free if you keep them clean. For those people that love bendy straws, you can even get angled steel straws.
Bamboo Straws
Bamboo straws are the ultimate organic alternative to plastic straws. Bamboo is extremely abundant in many countries, is fast-growing, and composts in just a few months. Not to mention, bamboo straws look pretty cool in drinks like tropical juices. Some bamboo straws are even dishwasher safe!
Paper Straws
Paper straws are a lot sturdier than you might think. Not only are they biodegradable, compostable, and made from recycled paper, they can last in your drink for several hours without falling apart or becoming soggy. Paper straws can also look fun as they come in many different colors and prints.
Glass Straws
Glass straws, usually made from either borosilicate glass or Pyrex, are safer and stronger than you would imagine. They don’t break easily and are usually dishwasher safe. They are also relatively cheap and available at most stores. Additionally, you can glass straws in different sizes, colors, and shapes.
Silicone Straws
Silicone straws are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws, especially for little kids. Children can really enjoy the different colors available in silicone straws and how fun and bendy they can be. You kid can also chew on the straws to their heart’s desire.
Straw Straws
Straws originally got their name from the tube-shaped stem of wheat plants called straw. With sustainability on the rise, many people want to revert to using these original straws instead of plastic ones. Straw straws are entirely biodegradable and cause no pollution at all!
No Straws
And finally, a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws is no straws at all! Most drinks are pretty easy to drink directly from the cup or bottle, and more often than not, people have no problem skipping the straws altogether.
With all of these eco-friendly alternatives available for plastic straws, it is quite easy to do your part and switch! Sustainability does not have to be overly complicated. Start by replacing your plastic straws, and then you can move on to bigger lifestyle changes!