Many have heard the phrase “save the turtles,” but reducing plastic waste can do a lot more than just protect turtles. Not to mention that anything you can easily do to reduce plastic waste can make a big difference. Americans throw away about 500 million plastic straws every day! Please consider not using straws at all, however, if you must use a straw, here are the top reusable straws available.
Strawfree Bamboo Straws
Strawfree Bamboo straws are without a doubt the best straws available on the market. They are affordable, handmade, easy to use and clean, and a quality product. Bamboo straws are also the only reusable straws that are actually compostable/recyclable, so they will truly leave behind no waste – and no carbon footprint! Metal, rubber, and even paper straws will still produce a degree of waste, even though they are still better than plastic. So, even if you don’t buy them from Strawfree, bamboo straws are definitely the best option.
Gosili Silicone Straws
These straws are another excellent alternative to plastic ones and come in convenient cases, making them easy to carry. They are also bendy and dishwasher safe, making them one of the easiest reusable straws to clean. These fun straws come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them great for every kind of drink! Silicone will also last longer than bamboo. Click on the links to try some Gosili straws: teal/orange straws, six-pack straws, multi-pack berry/cobalt
Extra: For those that have kids, young siblings, or are prone to spilling, GoSili also makes sippy cups so that every cup can be leak proof!
Asobu Reusable Metal Straws
This final set of straws is another great option to replace plastic straws. These collapsible straws come in a keychain container with a handy cleaning brush. They are made of two pieces and connected by a piece of silicone, so that you can bend them or straighten as needed. They also come in a bunch of fun colors, making them useful and cute!
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Wow- That’s a great article! Thanks for sharing!
The District of Columbia banned plastic straws as of July 1, 2019. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/on-patrol-with-an-enforcer-of-dcs-plastic-straw-ban/2019/01/28/511e7bcc-1511-11e9-90a8-136fa44b80ba_story.html?_gl=1*rl837k*_ga*ajA4RWxfWklzX3V6ckJJYlJCV2V0QV94bWJHWGo2b3RMbzBKX1hQMTRHLXNkWXVVUGRmeUNPV2MzQXN1a2ZaXw..
Local jurisdictions have also implemented bans. I agree with Erin — preventing spills on the go are the biggest (perhaps only) reason to use a straw. Thanks, Emma, for your research!
There are a couple things at play here. Some states such as California have banned the use of single-use plastics- which would include straws- and a lot of companies have pledged to go straw free by a certain time, but there have not been national standards set for plastic straw use. It mainly resulted from a “save the turtles” movement that was started a few years ago when a video was released of scientists removing plastic straws from sea creatures.
We don’t really use a lot of straws at home, although this would be a good option to have in the car when we buy drinks! I noticed some food establishments have switched from plastic…was this voluntary? I remember the big “straw movement” not too long ago. I don’t think there was any legislation passed, right? Only because other places still have plastic straws.
I agree with you it is so important to encourage environmental awareness. I’m hoping to reach a lot of forward-thinking people like you. Thanks for helping me spread the word to your family and friends!
This is a great write up! Necessary change in collective behavior starts with awareness. Your well-designed and informative website is a great contribution to an important cause. Thank you for doing this Emma!