Reusable Straw Alternatives

Welcome to another Trash Talk Tuesday! Today, I wanted to talk about reusable straws in a little more detail. This is a simple change that can reduce plastic waste in landfills and is something you can always carry with you! There are so many kinds of reusable straws. A few options I want to discuss are paper, silicon and metal straws. Each kind has its own pros and cons; and I will touch on a few of them.

Types of straws

Paper: They are one time use, and are usually biodegradable. However, depending on the quality they may not be as durable and maintain shape. They come in a variety of patterns and colors. This makes it ideal for events and special occasions. You can get approximately 100-200 ct for about $7.00-10.00.

Silicon: Due to their flexibility they are the most compact when traveling. They come in a variety of colors, diameter, straight tipped or curved tipped. Most are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. For those with concerns about metal against your teeth this may be an ideal option. I’ve noticed that silicon straws can occasionally have an abnormal taste, but many people use them without an issue. Most come with a cleaning brush and case. They are about $3.00-10.00 for 3-10 ct.

Stainless Steel: Most come straight or with a curved tip and a cleaning brush. If you have concerns about the metal against your teeth you can purchase silicon covers for them. Some even include assorted colored silicon covers and cases. Stainless steel straws come in a large variety of diameters and most are dishwasher safe. It’s about $5.00-12.00 for a varied quantity and, although you may not always get the silicon cover or case, most of the time you get a cleaning brush!