[PRODUCT] Reusable Straws

On July 9th, 2018 Starbucks Coffee Company broke the NEWS, by announcing that it will eliminate all single-use plastic straws from all stores around the world by 2020. Starbucks has been initiating some environmentally friendly practices by offering discounts to customers bringing reusable cups or tumblers, attempting to provide ethically-sourced coffee, and donating unsold food to food banks around the United States. Switching to reusable straws entirely has been one of the biggest announcements so far. Walt Disney Company, American Airlines, and other corporations are following suit.

PLASTIC STRAWS TAKE UP A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF ALL PLASTIC WASTES.

So replacing plastic straws with reusable ones will not entirely solve the global issue. There is an unimaginable amount of plastic wastes and only 9% of world’s plastics are being recycled. Plastic straws are too lightweight to even make it through the mechanical recycling sorter, so most end up in the oceans, polluting the water and killing marine life. Still, I believe the bold initiatives taken by big corporations and rising awareness of the issue itself are great signs for a change.

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS HUGE MOUNTAIN OF PLASTICS!

YOU WILL NOT WANT TO USE PLASTIC STRAWS EVER AFTER SEEING THIS.

Yeah, that's a straw stuck in its nose. Sad.(For more sea turtles suffering.. Check this out.)

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SO WHICH TYPE OF REUSABLE STRAW SHOULD YOU USE?

1. BAMBOO STRAWS Number one recommendation, because I am using these. I just love the natural feel when using these - imagine drinking all kinds of beverages in bamboo forests. It is definitely a cheaper option, but also the most renewable option. After using them for 6 months, go to the woods and stick them in the woods and walk away! On Amazon: $10.21 for a pack of 12 On Package Free Shop: $1.50 per straw Widemouth option here for smoothies!

2. SILICONE STRAWS Next best option, because they completely burn into biodegradable ash. Yes, you must burn them in fire when they are ready to be tossed. It is designed for hot drinks, so no worries about sipping toxins. Some distinctive pros about silicone straws is that they are durable, flexible and you can cut them with scissors if you must adjust length. On Amazon: $7.98 for a pack of 5 Koffie Straw: $6.50 per straw

3. GLASS STRAWS This option is glass for 3 things: Beauty, Luxury, and Smooth-sipping. Do not use for hot beverages. Be careful not to drop them. Not great for traveling either, but you can keep these at home for cocktails or fancy smoothies or bubble tea! Thin option: $7.99 for a pack of 4 Wide option: $6.99 for pack of 4

4. STAINLESS-STEEL STRAWS I've seen people using metal straws or stainless-steel straws the most. But metal transfers heat and it might constantly hit your teeth while drinking. Worried about chipping your teeth? Then there is a half-silicone and half-steel option. I don't really understand why you would buy these when you can get silicone or bamboo options. However, stainless-steel straws are good for traveling, especially since there are cool collapsible ones you can carry in your smallest purses! They also LAST FOREVER, so probably is the longest lasting option. Oh right. Forgot to mention metal comes in shades of gold, rose gold, silver, and bronze. Rose gold straw: $4.95 per straw Half-silicone & half-steel: $4.95 per straw Collapsible stainless steel straw: $14.99 for a straw & case

5. PAPER STRAWS Bars and restaurants in Florida have been serving their drinks with paper straws for years now, since they confront plastic wastes in their beaches and have known that the plastic straws bother marine lives. Least ideal option because they are single-use only. However, if you must throw a party, use these instead of plastic straws. At least paper is compostable. On Amazon: $7.99 for a bulk of 200 Preserve brand: $6.45 for a bulk of 50

Lastly, two important notes I leave with you. 1. Please, please wash the straws well for hygiene & sanitation and to make them last long. Take care of them so they do their justice in the waste-free world. 2. Make sure to TRAVEL WITH THEM and keep some at home and at the office! Otherwise, why make purchases and still use plastic straws?