Did you know that plastic straws are one of the most common items found on beaches worldwide?
According to Clean Up Australia, plastic straws are the 12th most common item reported by Clean Up volunteers. Which is not surprising given that Australians use about 10 million plastic straws every day, or 3.5 billion a year!!
Plastic straws are a serious health hazard for marine wildlife. They can easily become lodged in the nostrils and stomachs of marine life including turtles, birds, dolphins, fish and whales, with fatal consequences.
In this post I’m sharing four alternatives to single use plastic straws.
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Four Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic Straws
Option 1: Reusable Stainless Steel Straws
Stainless Steel straws are a durable reusable alternative to plastic straws. Made from #304 food grade stainless steel, they’re hygienic and easy to clean – just pop them in your dishwasher. Available in extra wide varieties, they’re also perfect for thick smoothies and thickshakes.
Option 2: Reusable Bamboo Straws
Like stainless steel straws, bamboo drinking straws are a durable, toxin-free alternative to single-use plastic straws, with the added bonus that they can be composted at the end of their lifespan. To clean, simply rinse after use and wash with an eco dishwashing liquid and cleaning brush. They don’t like the dishwasher or being soaked for long period of time.
Option 3: Reusable Soft Silicone Straws
Soft, silicone straws are a safer alternative to hard, reusable straws and are therefore perfect for toddlers, young children, the elderly or people with additional needs.
Made from food-grade silicone, they can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher and can in fact withstand a temperature range of -40°C – 230°C!!
Keep a set handy in your handbag, pram or car for café adventures, picnics and drinks on the go.
Option 4: Reusable Compostable Wheat Straws (Gluten Free)
Stainless steel, bamboo and silicone straws are great if you just need one or two reusable straws, but what if you’re hosting a big party and want a lot of sustainable straws…. like 100 of them?
Enter wheat straws!!!
These guys are 100% biodegradable, compostable and are made from natural wheat steams. They’re cut from dried wheat shafts after the wheat has been harvested – not the grain – which means they’re 100% gluten free.
Wheat straws are non-toxic and non-porous and won’t become soggy like paper straws.
Final Thoughts
It’s surprisingly simple to break up with single-use plastic straws. By declining a straw, or switching to reusable or compostable drinking straws, you’ll help create a more sustainable future for all.
Already broken up with single-use plastic straws? Share what change you’ve made in the comments below!
Want more tips and strategies to transition to a plastic-free lifestyle? Click HERE to join my 5-day Plastic Free Challenge (it’s FREE!).
OVER TO YOU!
Already broken up with single-use plastic straws? Share what change you’ve made in the comments below!
For strategies and support to ditch single-use plastics, join my FREE 5-day Plastic Free Challenge. In just five minutes a day for five days you’ll learn how to break up with single-use plastics in and around your home and while out and about.
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