Earlier this year, I read about a movement to ban plastic straws. If you’re like me, you’re asking yourself “Why??” right about now.
For environmentally-minded folks, plastic straws litter natural havens like the beach – and they harm the wildlife in these areas.
Millions and millions of plastic drinking straws also end up in landfills every day. And the straws are made with plastic that leaches into drinks. (I have to admit, even though I try to limit how much plastic I use, I forget about plastic straws, or the plasticky kind of dental floss or what my toothbrush bristles are made of.)
To end the plastic straw insanity, manufacturers actually sell glass, stainless steel and bamboo drinking straws. You can find a variety of sizes, including the 7 millimeter “Sipper,” 9 millimeter ice tea straw, 12 millimeter smoothie straw and a 14 millimeter “Big Gulp” straw. They’re made with borosilicate tubing, which is the strongest glass available, and run around $7 a piece.
While I’m not opposed to the glass drinking straw idea, I’ve got to admit that I’m just a little lazy and not THAT green to make the switch. I only use straws when I’m on the go, which is exactly when I wouldn’t want to carry along a small glass tube. But that’s just my opinion. What do you think of the concept?
If you’d like to try a glass drinking straw, order a Glass Drinking Straw – Bendie. Set of 2.
Disclosure: Making a purchase from this post will result in a modest commission for Accidentally Green.
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nuttakit/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Ellen LW says
When I was growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, straws were paper at such places like McDonald’s and local pizza joints.
Maybe just making a switch to paper straws is a better alternative than those aluminum ones.
Jacquelyn Stager says
Yes, that’s what I was thinking too. Straws used to be made of paper!
Bethany S. says
I always wondered, are plastic straws recyclable?
Yeah, our local pool banned lids and straws! (Well, doesn’t use them at the concession stand; I’m sure you’re allowed to still bring them in.)
Bethany S. says
Well, that’s bad news for me. I lost that argument. LOL My hubby will be happy though! :)
Is there a good/effective/easy way to clean those reusable straws? Especially in our family, with food allergies, I wouldn’t want to reuse a straw if it still possibly had residue on it.
And in regards to that article you posted, I’ve always thought that Wendy’s and McD’s should have recycle bins. So much of their food packaging is recyclable!
Hilary says
Good news, Bethany – I just discovered that plastic straws ARE recyclable: .
Hilary says
The glass straws are dishwasher-safe, plus cleaning brushes are sold with the straws. I don’t know how effectively they would work against food allergies, Bethany. I would have my doubts with the cleaning brush, but the dishwasher probably would remove any trace of allergens.
Kat says
The question is… Do you really need a straw?