Looking for an eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws? Many of us remember the viral image of the turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nose and how it sparked plastic straw bans around the world. While this raised awareness about plastic pollution in our oceans and was a significant step in the right direction, many people aren’t fans of the alternatives, like pasta straws or the widely disliked cardboard straws that tear.
For those looking for a better option, it might be the right time to invest in your own reusable straws, ones you can use at home and take with you on the go. Switching to a reusable straw might seem like a small change, but it can save hundreds (if not thousands!) of plastic straws from ending up in landfills or floating in the ocean each year. Plus, itโs a great place to start on your plastic-free journey! Here are my favourite alternatives.
Best Alternatives to Plastic Straws
Glass straws
Glass straws are my absolute favourite for home use. Since theyโre glass, they do require a bit of extra care, but they are super comfortable to drink from! Theyโre even wide enough for boba and smoothies!
Metal straws
Metal straws are another popular alternative to plastic straw, and for good reason! They’re sturdy, dishwasher safe and can come in lots of fun patterns and colours. These straws from QiEco come with their own cleaning brush and bamboo travel case, so you can bring them with you wherver you go.
silicone Tips for metal straws
If you love the durability of a metal straw but hate the feeling of metal clinking against your teeth, thereโs a simple solution: a silicone tip. These flexible tips slide over the end of your metal straws, making it more comfortable to drink from. They feel super comfortable against the teeth and make for a better, softer drinking experience.
Bamboo straws
Bamboo is an excellent alternative material, as itโs biodegradable, sustainable, and lightweight. Theyโre smooth to the touch and super easy to clean, making them a great option if you love the idea of going all-natural. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that doesnโt require harsh chemicals to thrive, making it a perfect eco-friendly choice for your drinks. These straws by Wild & Stone are made of food-grade bamboo harvested from sustainable plantations. They come with their own cleaning brush and linen storage bag, so you have a straw ready wherever you go!
Collapsible travel straw
Itโs important to keep a straw with you at all times when you have beverages while out of the house. But letโs be real: itโs super easy to forget your reusable straw when rushing out the door. And when it comes the moment you want to order a drink, you end up needing a disposable one once again! Thatโs where collapsible travel straws come in. This collapsible metal straw is super compact and fits perfectly in your pocket, bag, or even keychain. Once done using it, just fold it back up into its travel case, which also comes with a carabiner to clip it so you can never forget it again!
Gemstone glass straws
These glass straws have built-in gemstones, so when you drink using the straw you get gemstone-infused water! Each gemstone has properties that can benefit you. I canโt personally vouch for it and am a bit sceptical, but this seller has tons of excellent reviews and gemstone knowledge on her page. Explore the topic further if you’re interested. Whether you believe in their mystical properties or just love the way they look, these straws add a touch of whimsy to any drink.
For more plastic-free travelling inspiration, check out my blog on plastic-free cutlery.
Have you tried any of these alternatives to plastic straws? Tell us which ones are your favourites Below!
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thank you for making this article very useful and keep up the good work