Plastic straws replacements

Plastic vs. ecology

There has long been talk of the negative impact of plastic waste on marine fauna. Plastic straws drifting in the ocean mutilate animals (including sea turtles). Plastic clamps for connecting beer cans deform their shells. Seals die by swallowing plastic bags. The remains of undigested plastic packaging are being pulled from the insides of dead seabirds. In the meat of fish caught from the seas and oceans, microplastics are found, which in the veiled form of an aromatic fillet ends up on our plates.

The scale of plastic pollution in the oceans is terrifying. It is estimated that between 8 and 11 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean waters each year. It's like emptying a garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. In Poland, 1.2 billion plastic straws are used each year (3 million a day). In the entire European Union - 36 billion a year, which is twice as much as disposable coffee cups.

What instead of plastic straws?

Interestingly, however, plastic straws are not the most common type of plastic found in the ocean - they account for only 0.025% of plastic waste drifting in the waters of our planet. Straws have become the enemy number one in the fight against plastic, because they are a model example of mindless and completely unnecessary everyday use of disposable plastic products. Products that are not indispensable for our life, and which cause our planet almost irreparable damage. Plastic straws and ecology just don't go hand in hand . Plastic pipes are used for only a few minutes, and then they end up in garbage to degrade the natural environment for the next several hundred years. So what to replace them with? What to use instead of plastic straws? There are many ideas. Here are a few of them:

1. Glass

There is a lot to write about the advantages of glass straws . They are reusable. They conduct heat to a small extent, so they can be used for both hot and cold drinks. Most of them are made of crack-resistant borosilicate , thanks to which they can serve us for years. What's more, unlike paper and metal straws, they do not change the taste of the drink, and after washing them you can see if they have been thoroughly cleaned. They are also often beautifully decorated, which additionally pleases the eye.

2. Metal

A great alternative to plastic straws are tubes made of stainless steel . Reusable, durable, safe during transport. However, remember that metal conducts heat, so these types of straws are not recommended for consuming hot drinks . According to some users, the metal can also affect the taste of the drink.

3. Paper

Paper straws are the most popular choice among eco-friendly single-use straws. They are inexpensive and biodegradable . They come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Unfortunately, however, they dissolve quite quickly in the liquid (their durability depends on the quality of workmanship and usually lasts up to 3 hours) and can change its taste. They are mainly suitable for cold drinks.

4. Pasta

Pasta straws are a surprising and very innovative way to use this food product associated with Italian cuisine. They are not only ecological, but also amazingly durable. They are a good solution for those who appreciate original and original solutions. Disadvantage: they can slightly change the taste of the drink, giving it a wheaten note.

5. Bamboo

Bamboo straws are an intermediate solution between disposable and reusable tubes. They can be used many times, although they will certainly not serve us as long as metal or glass straws. They are light and biodegradable, but are difficult to clean thoroughly and accumulate flavors and aromas.

6. Straw

In the 19th century, people used dried cereal stalks, i.e. straw, to consume drinks. Why not go back to this traditional practice? Straw tubes are biodegradable, compostable and are perfect as a decorative element. They are for single use and, due to their fragility, are not suitable for consuming thick drinks.

7. Silicone

Silicone straws are a popular alternative to metal straws. Colorful, soft, flexible, chewable - the perfect solution for children and the elderly. Unfortunately, silicone products are difficult to recycle, and silicone itself is not as ecological as other materials presented in this list. It is encouraging, however, that its production emits nine times less greenhouse gases than plastic.

Other alternatives to plastic straws

There are more and more ideas for ecological straws to reduce the pollution of the planet. It is also worth adding to the list less popular, but equally interesting and original solutions, such as: seaweed tubes, rice, bioplastic made of agave fibers or papaya stems and leaves. And it does not matter whether we choose glass or metal straws, reusable or disposable - it is important that they are biodegradable and as least harmful to the environment as possible.