Aside from medical reasons, single-use plastic straws are now banned for sale in the UK. But there are still tons of plastic straws swimming around, and they are legal to sell abroad. Of course you could always use your lips to drink! But many people prefer straws, so if you use them, invest in a reusable straw to stop sea turtles getting them stuck up their nostrils. Get remaining straws (and plastic cups) out of your town forever by ordering a community recycling box from Terracycle or ReFactory.
The size and shape of straws means they miss ‘catching systems’ so end up in the sea, where they either puncture soft-bellied creatures or get eaten by filter feeders. Straw waste accounts for 10% of all ocean plastic (one clean-up on US shorelines found 7.5 million plastic straws alone). Don’t use metal straws when on the move, nor for children or disabilities (one woman died when a metal straw in a mason jar impaled her eye, and caused brain injury).
Colourful Silicone Straws from The Netherlands
This set of multi-coloured silicone straws (The Netherlands) includes a cup guide to help you cut to size for whisky glasses, short tumblers, cocktail glasses or children’s drinks. Dishwasher-safe and sold with a cotton bag. Silicone straws look and feel like plastic straws (silicone does use fossil fuels with sand to make, but these straws are food-safe, last years and are easy to recycle.
Silicone straws bring flexibility and safety to the table. Soft and bendy, they’re a hit with families, especially those with young kids. Worried about portability? They often come with handy storage pouches. Silicone is gentle on the teeth and gums, but be prepared for slightly more effort when it comes to cleaning.
A Set of Reusable Bamboo Drinking Straws
Jungle Culture bamboo straws are sold in a set of 6, in a hessian carry case. Handmade by a small artisan family farm in rural Vietnam, these straws are strong and durable, and dishwasher-safe. The set includes a cleaning guide and eco craft box. The straws are suitable for juice, soda and cocktails, with extra-wide straws for smoothies and mylkshakes.
Eco-Friendly Straws (made from pasta!)
Stroodles Pasta Straws last around an hour (not for hot drinks, as they would go soggy. Made in Italy, they can be composted after use, or just cook and eat them! Not for gluten allergies (or children/swallowing difficulties). The company also makes edible bowls and cups (which apparently taste like Ryvita!) And has recently introduced rice straws.
A Box of Biodegradable Wheat Straws
These biodegradable wheat straws are an ideal alternative to paper disposable straws (plastic straws are now banned in the UK for single-use sale but still sold worldwide). Sold in packs of 150, these are ideal for festivals, parties and weddings. These straws use little energy to make, and end of use you can just pop them in the compost bin. Unlike paper straws, ‘straw straws’ don’t go soggy! But handle with care, as they can split if you are too rough with them.
A Stainless Steel Tumbler with Straw Lid
This stainless steel tumbler with straw lid is the ideal alternative to disposable water bottles or coffee cups. Made from durable materials, the innovative design made of mostly recycled stainless steel ensures the tumbler resists rust and wear, better than plastic or glass alternatives. It also features unique Climate Lock™ insulation, which keeps your drinks cold and fresh for hours.
Don’t use stainless steel straws if moving or for dexterity issues, due to being inflexible. Don’t drink hot liquids from open-mouth tumblers. Avoid caffeine for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions.
The ergonomic design fits snugly in your hand or car cupholders, and the fun colours add a playful touch. Ideal for cold water, smoothies or even cocktails, the tumbler is perfect for active lifestyles and a great choice for picnics or beach days. The tumbler even includes a reusable straw.
Reusable water bottles break down into microplastics that are ingested by marine creatures. Disposable coffee cups waste trees due to cardboard, and contain plastic linings that are difficult to recycle, and again break down into microplastics, if littered on the street.
