With the growing concern about the harmful effects of plastic and the increasing climatic changes, it is high time we should switch to healthier and more eco-friendly alternatives. According to many resources, plastic straws contain BisphenoIA (BPA).
BisphenoIA (BPA) is a harmful chemical found in plastics that mimics the activity of hormones. Plastic straws affect the ‘Estrogen’ most common hormone, which can lead to several reproductive disorders and other health conditions, such as heart diseases and diabetes.
Plastic straws are one of the leading contributors to ocean pollution. In the United States, a person uses an average of 1.6 straws per day which is one hundred and seventy-five million straws per year. If a single person uses a plastic straw every day for the next ten years, there would be 3,650 straws worth of landfill. By 2050, there will be more plastics than fishes in the ocean and straws are a big reason why that is because most plastic straws are too lightweight to recycle.
Plastic straws either contaminate recycling loads or end up in a landfill and it takes 500 years for a single straw to decompose. Plastic could potentially leak pollutants into the soil and water. Every year an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastics go into our oceans harming wildlife. There are many alternatives to plastic straws, some of which include:
1) Glass Straw
Glass straws are a good option for you, your family, and the environment. In addition, glass straws are far more environmentally friendly because you can reuse and wash them. You won’t be contributing to the waste that comes with disposable plastic sippers. Some individuals think that glass straws may crack and shatter. However, most of the glass straws are made from borosilicate, which makes them unbreakable and shatter-resistant.
They can be used in both cold and hot temperatures. Bacteria from your milkshake or smoothie won’t get stuck in the glass straws and cannot even make you sick with the help of material that is borosilicate, which is non-porous. Buy your clear glass straws from Amazon, you can also avail of some discounts on Amazon by using coupons from Discount Codez.
2) Stainless Steel Straws
Stainless steel straws are ideal for any sort of occasion. They not only add elegance to your dining room but are considerably more durable as compared to plastic straws. Stainless steel straws are reusable and can last long if you clean and wash them properly. These straws are dishwasher safe so all you have to do is to rinse the straw and toss it in the dishwasher.
Stainless steel straws are BPA-free and are perfectly safe to use. These unique and elegant straws can be used to enjoy all sorts of delicious drinks including iced tea, fruit juices, frozen cocktails, and smoothies. You can buy your stainless steel straw from Amazon, and you can also avail some discounts on Amazon by using discount coupons (from here).
3) Bamboo Straws
If you are particularly looking for a stylish, eco-friendly, and reusable alternative to plastic straws, bamboo straws are a fantastic option. Bamboo straws are environmentally friendly as they are a biodegradable and reusable alternative to plastic straws. Switching over to bamboo straws subsequently can be your first step in being kind to our very own planet.
Bamboo straws are chemical-free, 100% natural, reusable, and washable. They can be used safely for both cold and hot beverages. Bamboo straws are arguably the coolest straws and a great option for throwing a tropical-themed straw event. You can buy your stainless steel straw from Amazon, and you can also avail some discounts on Amazon by using discount coupons (from here).
4) SILICONE STRAWS
Silicone straws are perfect in so many ways. With a flexible material being used in silicone straws you will never need to use disposable plastic straws ever again! Silicone is a non-plastic BisphenoIA (BPA) free material that has some unique properties that make it an ideal material for drinking and other kitchen accessories. Silicone straws do not leach chemicals when exposed to different temperatures. They are flexible, bendy, and soft.
This surely means that they don’t pose a risk of chipped teeth, eye pokes, and throat gouges while drinking. Silicone straws are quite easy to clean as they handle extreme temperatures, cleaning them thoroughly can be achieved to prevent the germs. Buy your stainless steel straw from Amazon (from here).
5) PAPER STRAWS
The main argument for using paper straws instead of plastic ones is that they are biodegradable and FDA-approved. This means that paper straws can naturally be broken down and won’t end up floating in our oceans or landfills. Paper straws are fantastic for parties and weddings where a lot of guests are likely to generate plenty of waste. They are surprisingly durable, if left to dry between drinks, they can be reused many times.
In addition, they are cheap to make and can be easily printed with food-safe inks. Paper straws are limited to being used for cold drinks only, not typically a good choice for hot beverages. Buy your stainless steel straw from Amazon (from here).
IN A NUTSHELL
Switching to biodegradable drinking straws promotes the use of other biodegradable products and keeps harmful plastics out of landfills polluting our planet.