Hard to recycle and too polluting, single-use plastic straws have a considerable environmental impact.
Indeed, 1 billion straws are thrown away every day around the world, including 9 million in France.
The plastic wastecups, bottles, plates and more specifically straws), are part tons of marine waste the ones most commonly collected in our oceans, causing significant harm to animals such as our iconic sea turtle.
Laws for the environment:
Before revealing the existing alternatives for answering the main question “which reusable straws should you choose?”, It is good to know that upcoming amendments will ban the production of plastic objects, namely :"plates, cutlery, straws, cotton swab sticks, balloon sticks, oxodegradable food containers, and expanded polystyrene cups".
Read the follwing =>
The European Union is following the measures taken by cities such as Seattle in the USA or Bali to fight pollution.
The fast-food chains such as Starbucks or Mc Donald can no longer provide plastic straws. Their packaging and containers are made of cardboard, from the cups to the lids.
The big-box stores will have to propose products to consumers that are more reusable than disposable, and this applies even to the packaging, which, for its part, must be easy to recyclable, biodegradable, or even compostable.
The restaurateurs and other managers of hotel operations will have to find the reusable straw that stays washable and durableIndeed, they will be the first buyers, because we are their first consumers.
It is true that drinking a coffee, a pint, or a flute of champagne does not require the use of a straw. However, if you drink a smoothie or a cocktail like a mojito without a straw, you quickly risk ending up with a mint leaf stuck between your teeth.😅
4 alternatives to plastic straws: reusable straws!
The Fantastic Four known to date to replace our plastic straws are:
- Straws bamboo
- The straws in stainless steel
- Straws glass
- Straws edibles (yes, yes, it exists!)🥤
The bamboo straws:
The bamboo is naturally antibacterial. However, it should be noted that the bamboo straws require more careful maintenance than stainless steel straws. For example, avoid leaving them in the dishwasher. Moisture increases wear on this type of straw. Instead, choose a drier place for storage.
A major advantage of the bamboo straw: the latter is biodegradable and will not pollute. You can recycle it into compost. In addition, your cocktails, garnished with a bamboo straw, will have a most exotic style.
The stainless steel straws:
You will find significant advantages in choosing stainless steel straws. They are very durable, even virtually unbreakable. In addition, stainless steel is a material that is widely used in the catering industry, known for being easily cleaned. You’ll have peace of mind when it comes to hygiene. They are also often sold with a small cleaning brush, ideal for cleaning them inside.
The glass straws:
Glass straws are a huge hit with our little ones;
It's so funny watching my syrup go up and down in my straw, Uncle!These are the words of my 8-year-old niece on her birthday. More delicate by design, they nevertheless remain very sturdy. Very little risk that they will break in the mouth. Note that the material most often used for glass straws is the borosilicate glass.
Edible straws:
Here is an alternative full of originality that will spark the creativity of bartenders and master pastry chefs, enabling them to offer cocktails and desserts enhanced by an edible straw. Most often, you will find them made from cornstarch.
Zero waste, how can I learn more?
The plastic items made of polypropylene, more commonly used for thetrays, yogurt pots, plastic tableware, verrines, instant soups, bottles, reusable food containers, will gradually find their substitute materials. However, some plastics are recycled better than others.
I invite you to consult the “ Office blog on earth ” who will teach you more about this subject.
In the years to come, reforms to preserve the environment will become increasingly radical, for the good of everyone.
To help you with this process, I invite you to follow the association Zero Waste, a true Information guide to help you source products and support you in moving toward a zero-waste lifestyle.
Relearning how to consume can become a real headache when you don't know where to find information... You'll find a wealth of information and advice on their fascinating website.
To conclude this article, I'd like to tell you about Mrs. Clarisse Merlet, founder of the company FabBRICK.
This ingenious young architect invented fully designed building blocks made from recycled fabric.
Elle partnered with a company responsible for collecting used textiles discarded in the municipal facilities provided for this purpose, in order to give them a second life and transform them into bricks using eco-friendly glue made exclusively with bio-based, non-polluting ingredients.
I’ll let you discover his company in this video :
