Zero Waste 101: Ditch Plastic Straws, Use Reusable Straws
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Recently,
I have been seeing lots of food establishments, cities and consumers who are
joining the “ditch the plastic straw” movement and there is a huge reason
behind it. Each day, millions of single-use plastic straws are being used and
thrown into the oceans. Because of it, thousands of marine lives die each year
due to ingestion of our plastic waste.
In
major cities in the Philippines, most restaurants are now switching to paper
straws. Paper straws are biodegradable but most people (including me) are not a
big fan of them because they get soggy quickly and break easily (leaving you
with pieces of paper in your mouth). The limitations of paper straw initiate
the invention of several types of reusable straws that are considered more
environment-friendly since you don’t throw them out after just one use.
There
are several types of reusable straws and it’s a matter of personal preference
on which type will work for you.
Here
are some factors to consider when selecting reusable straws.
Shape
Reusable
straws are either bent or straight in shape. Obviously, straight straws
are easier to clean while bent straws are easier to use because you don’t need
to tilt your glass while drinking.
Size
The
standard size for reusable straws is 7 – 8.5 inches which is suitable for 8oz –
16oz glasses. There are also smaller (4 – 5 inches) and larger (10.5 inches)
sizes available for cocktail and 20oz – 30oz glasses, respectively.
Diameter
Depending
on the type of beverages that you’re going to drink, you will need a reusable
straw with either smaller or bigger diameter. For instance, if you’re drinking
thick smoothies or bubble teas (with large tapioca pearls), then use reusable
straws that have 12mm – 14mm diameter.
Material
Reusable
straws are made from variety of materials. Each material type has its own pros
and cons.
1. Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Straw available at Earthsy
Stainless
steel straws are by far the most durable reusable straws. It won’t break (no
matter how hard you try) and it’s rust-proof. It also won’t retain the odor and
flavor of your drinks. However, the first few times that you use it, you will
get a metallic taste with your drinks. The solution to this is to wash the
stainless straw several times with soapy water and rinse well before using it.
It’s
also important to note that metal conducts heat very well, which means that you
shouldn’t use stainless steel straws with hot drinks, otherwise you run the
risk of burning your lips.
2. Glass
Glass Straw available at EcolutionPH
Glass
straws are made from borosilicate – the same material that is used for making
Pyrex glasses. Borosilicate glasses are considered shatter-resistant if you
just drop them lightly. Since glass straws are transparent, it’s very easy
to see if the straws are properly cleaned.
Glass
straws are taste-neutral and they don’t retain the odor and flavor of the
drinks. They are also suitable for both hot and cold beverages.
3. Silicone
Silicone Straw available at ecoMNL
Among
all the reusable straws, silicone straws have the most similar “feel” to
plastic straws. Their lightweight and rubbery texture makes them flexible so
you can actually bend them just like plastic straws. If you have a habit of
biting your straws, silicone straws are your perfect choice. You can also
easily cut them in case you want a smaller straw.
Silicone
straws can be used on both hot and cold beverages. They also don’t impart any
taste to the drinks. However, silicone straws have a tendency to absorb strong
odor (e.g. coffee). Moreover, when cleaning them, you have to make sure to dry
them out completely before storing to avoid mold buildup.
4. Bamboo
Bamboo Straw available at ecoholicPH
If
you’re looking for 100% eco-friendly straws, bamboo straws should be at the top
of your list. They are completely biodegradable and free from dye and other
chemicals. Using bamboo straws in your drinks will make you feel like you are
in a tropical beach. In fact, those who have tried them said that bamboo straws
actually add a little bit of tropical taste to their drinks (which other people
might not like).
In
terms of durability, bamboo straws are sturdy. However, proper care must be
applied for them to last longer. For instance, always let your bamboo straws
dry fully in a well-ventilated area before storing them in order to prevent
mold.
Straw Accessories
Normally,
when you buy reusable straws, they are bundled with a pouch and a cleaning
brush. The pouch enables you to carry your reusable straws wherever you go and
protects them from dust when not in use. Meanwhile, the long brush is a
must-have tool so that you can clean the straws effectively.
Are
you already using reusable straws? Which type is your favorite? Share them on
the comment section below J
P.S.
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3 comments
Great suggestions. I also love silicone straws and wonder why they are not way more popular like stainless steel straws with other people too?
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