Why plastic-free straws? Because discarded plastic straws become waste – and I don’t mean that literally.
They can kill wildlife – as was almost done in the case of this poor sea turtle.
These wastes are made from petroleum – that is, oil – and once they dissolve in the environment, they can last for thousands of years.
Plastic manufacturing pollutes the air, emitting toxic emissions like benzene, toluene, xylene and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that “affect the health of everyone within breathing distance.” Famous plastic-free activist Beth Terry says,
They can break down into tiny pieces of microscopic plastic, then get mixed into sea salt or end up in oysters and other seafood, so we eat plastic with our dinner.
Plus, they’re designed to create garbage. Use them once and throw them away. what a waste!
I have updated this post to include new information and new content. read on!!
You don’t have to give up all the straws – just the plastic ones.
There’s no doubt about it: Sometimes, straws come in handy. It’s hard to drink a root beer float (my personal summer guilty pleasure) without a straw. Some people have sensitive teeth and find it easier to drink cold drinks if they use a straw. And especially for younger children, it may be easier to drink using a straw of some type.
So the point isn’t to give up straws – just plastic ones (I’m not big on throwing away paper straws either).
Do you know how you carry your own reusable shopping bags to the store, and drink from your own reusable water bottles? Now, there are reusable straws that you can even make yourself.
Here are 10 plastic-free straws that will help you kick your plastic straw habit.
10 Plastic-Free Straws That Will Make It Easy to Kick Your Plastic Straw Habit
- Stainless Steel Straw and Brush Set
- stainless steel 2 pack
- Mini Stainless Steel Straws
- Stainless Steel 8 Pack in a Bag
- silicone straws
- Glass Smoothie Straws
- Glass Regular Width Straws
- bamboo straws
- Skippy Cup
- edible chaff
Note: I do not recommend switching to paper straws because paper straws can only be used once. Even though plastics aren’t a pollution problem, they still contribute to the waste we throw away,
stainless steel straws -heavy duty. Easy to pack. Angular or straight, it depends on how you like to sip. Round and smooth, very pleasant and comfortable to tie. Buy them in a two-pack or a set to accommodate the entire family or group.
Stainless Steel Straw and Brush Set Straws can be washed in the dishwasher, but only with a straw brush. 
This makes it easier to thoroughly clean the inside of the straw.
stainless steel 2 pack One is good, two are better!
Mini Stainless Steel Straws – 4 Pack These are suitable for children’s cups or glasses, cocktail glasses and small water or juice glasses.
8 pack in a bag – Want some regular width and some wide? Get four of each, plus cleaning brushes and a pouch to carry them all. (Note: This is an Amazon product, not EarthHero.)
silicone – Straws made from premium food-grade, FDA approved 
Silicon. They are durable, flexible, reusable, washable and easy to travel with.
Set of 12 Silicone and Stainless Steel Drinking Straws with Cleaning Brush
glass straws – Help eliminate the millions of plastic straws Americans throw away every day with this heavy-duty and dishwasher safe plastic-free straw.
Wide Glass Smoothie Straw: This shaped straw is perfect for thick smoothies, milkshakes, Slurpees and pureed cold soups.
Regular-Width Glass Straw: This straw is similar in shape to the straw typically served with a glass of water or soda at a restaurant or fast-food place. It comes with a travel pouch and a cleaning brush.
bamboo – Bamboo straws are reusable to a certain extent. They will eventually disintegrate and wear out, so they’re probably not the best choice for kids. On the positive side, they are made from the bamboo plant and can be composted with other organic materials, as long as they have not been chemically treated.
EarthHero sells a pack of 12 organic bamboo straws Which can be reused many times, then composted.
skip straw , use sippy cups
Sippy cups are the perfect plastic-free straw alternative for toddlers and younger children. Take a look at this bundle of four 8 oz. Stainless Steel Toddler Cup with Four Colorful Silicone Spill Proof Sippy Lids. They work well at home or in the car. At a restaurant, ask your server to pour your child’s drink into his or her own cup instead of a cup with a straw.
Eat chaff!
A company called Lolly ware is in the process of developing “the world’s first edible hyper-compostable drinking straw.” In other words, a straw you can eat, It’s made from seaweed, can be flavored, and is non-GMO. It’s not on the market yet, but the company has got buy-in from Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban, so look for it in a drink coming near you soon.
10 Tips for Choosing and Using Reusable Straws
- How to Choose the Perfect Reusable Straw for Your Needs?
– Consider the material: Stainless steel offers durability, silicone provides flexibility, glass is eco-friendly and heat-resistant, bamboo is natural but less durable.
– Think about the size: Regular-sized straws are ideal for everyday drinks, mini for kids or cocktails, wide for smoothies.
– Prioritize ease of cleaning: Look for dishwasher-safe options with cleaning brushes for thorough maintenance. - How to Clean Your Reusable Straws Like a Pro?
– Identify the material: Stainless steel and glass straws can often be dishwashed with a straw brush.
– For silicone straws, handwashing with warm soapy water and a straw brush is recommended.
– Deep clean all reusable straws periodically by soaking them in a vinegar and water solution or using a specialized cleaning method as needed. - How to Pack Your Reusable Straws for On-the-Go Sipping?
– Choose portable options: Silicone straws are flexible and easy to store, some straws come in carrying pouches.
– Invest in a dedicated carrying case: Find a case specifically designed for reusable straws to keep them clean and organized.
– Attach your straw to your bag: Look for straws with clips or carabiners that allow you to easily attach them to your backpack or purse. - How to Introduce Reusable Straws to Your Family?
– Involve them in the selection process: Let everyone choose their own reusable straw based on their preferences.
– Make it fun: Decorate your straws with personal touches like stickers or charms.
– Offer gentle reminders and positive reinforcement: Encourage consistent use and explain the environmental benefits. - How to Find Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Disposable Straws at Restaurants?
– Politely ask if they offer reusable straws: More and more restaurants are adopting eco-friendly alternatives.
– Bring your own straw: Having your own reusable straw ensures you have one on hand when needed.
– Opt for straw-less beverages: Consider drinks that don’t necessarily require a straw, like bottled water or smoothies with lids. - How to Host a “Sip Green” Party with Reusable Straws?
– Provide a variety of reusable straws: Offer different sizes and materials to cater to guest preferences.
– Decorate your straws: Get creative and add festive touches to match your party theme.
– Offer reusable straws as party favors: Encourage guests to embrace a plastic-free lifestyle with a take-home straw. - How to Spread Awareness about the Impact of Plastic Straws?
– Share informative articles and social media posts about the environmental issues with plastic straws.
– Lead by example: Use your own reusable straw consistently and encourage others to do the same.
– Organize or participate in local clean-up events: Help remove plastic waste from your community and raise awareness about the problem. - How to Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Brushes for Your Reusable Straws?
– Look for natural materials: Brushes made from bamboo or sisal are sustainable and biodegradable.
– Consider the size: Choose brushes that fit comfortably inside your straws for thorough cleaning.
– Opt for multi-pack options: Get brushes in different sizes to clean various straw types. - How to Upcycle Old, Unusable Straws into Creative Crafts?
– Cut plastic straws into small pieces to create mosaic artwork or jewelry.
– Use them as supports for delicate plants or seedlings in your garden.
– Transform them into colorful wind chimes or mobiles for outdoor decoration - How to Dispose of Broken or Unusable Reusable Straws Responsibly?
– Check with your local recycling program: Some programs may accept metal or glass straws for recycling.
– For non-recyclable straws, consider repurposing or upcycling them whenever possible.
– If disposal is necessary, ensure it’s done responsibly in a designated waste bin.
FAQs:
Plastic straws pollute the environment, harm wildlife, and can break down into microplastics that enter our food chain.
Yes! Reusable straws can save you money in the long run compared to buying disposable ones.
Popular options include stainless steel, silicone, glass, and bamboo.
Find out how to properly clean and maintain plastic-free straws to ensure hygiene and longevity, including tips on using straw brushes and dishwasher safety.
Learn about DIY alternatives to store-bought plastic-free straws, such as bamboo or edible chaff straws, and how to craft them at home.
Explore various retailers and online platforms offering a range of plastic-free straw options, including stainless steel, glass, silicone, and bamboo, to find the best fit for your needs.
Yes! Just like reusable shopping bags and water bottles, you can carry your own straws wherever you go.
Mini stainless steel straws or silicone straws are great for kids’ cups.
Start by choosing one of the plastic-free alternatives mentioned above. Small changes can make a big difference!