Help me choose: Sustainable drinking straws
Whether made of glass, stainless steel, paper, bamboo or wheat, there is no question that reusable or compostable paper straws are better for the environment than plastic. More than 500 million plastic straws are used every day in the U.S., and they are inevitably used for minutes before being thrown away. Since they are too small to be recycled, plastic straws may persist in the environment for hundreds of years, breaking into tiny pieces over time.
Obviously, the best thing to use in lieu of a plastic straw is nothing. But for some, straws are a necessity, and there are definitely occasions where using a straw is simply nicer!
The main options are biodegradable paper straws, either made from wood or bamboo, or reusable, made from silicone, stainless steel or glass. We review the options here.
Photo by loanne pasleau on Unsplash
David Attenborough's Blue Planet II brought the attention of the world to the devastating environmental impact that single use plastics including straws are wreaking on our planet, particularly our marine life. Since they are small, plastic drinking straws are often mistaken for food by animals and because of their cylindrical shape, straws can cause suffocation and death to animals. Thankfully, the world's leaders have started to take notice, and in England, plastic straws were banned in October 2020.
Ah Table!
A pack of 6 glass straws complete with a cleaning brush and suitable for hot and cold drinks. Reusable, ecological, economical and sustainable and the perfect alternative to plastic and paper. These straws are 20cm long and are made from very resistant borosilicate glass. Perfect for reducing your environmental footprint.
Certified B Corp
Material
Biodegradable/ Reusable
Recyclable
Vegan
Price
Support this business
No
Borosilicate glass
Reusable
Yes
Yes
£9.50 per pack £1.58 per straw
Eco Living
5 stainless steel drinking straws, with a plastic-free plant based cleaning brush. These straws come in a 100% organic cotton carry pouch and packaged in 100% recyclable packaging. These straws are also vegan and plastic-free. A great step towards reducing your environmental impact.
Certified B Corp
Material
Biodegradable/ Reusable
Recyclable
Vegan
Price
Support this business
No
Food-grade stainless steel
Reusable
Yes
Yes
£6.99 per pack £1.39 per straw
The Silicone Straw Company
6, UK made, BPA free silicone straws which are vegan friendly and can be snipped to any length. Easily cleaned with any cleaning brush and packaged in 100% plastic free packaging. These straws are a perfect alternative to single use plastic and paper straws and they won’t go soggy. For UK customers these straws are definitely a great option!
Certified B Corp
Material
Biodegradable/ Reusable
Recyclable
Vegan
Price
Support this business
No
Food grade & FDA approved silicone
Reusable
Yes
Yes
£10.99 per pack
£1.83 per straw
Turtle Straws
A pack of 500 straws made from wheat straw, with no added chemicals, and no nasties. 100% Natural. 100% Biodegradable. These straws are designed to last until the end of your drink, rather than 100s of years, and they won’t go soggy like some paper straws do. Despite being made of wheat, they're also gluten free which is great for those people with a wheat intolerance.
Certified B Corp
Material
Biodegradable/ Reusable
Recyclable
Vegan
Price
Support this business
No
Wheat straw
Biodegradable
No
Yes
£20.00 per pack 4p per straw
The Cheeky Panda
The Cheeky Panda make their packs of 250 straws from 100% FSC-approved bamboo, and unlike most paper straws, won’t break down after getting wet.Their packaging is made from recyclable cardboard and straws made from fast-growing bamboo, so that every aspect is biodegradable. The straws are certified vegan-friendly and cruelty-free! Overall, ultra-sustainable with little impact on the planet and turtles!
Certified B Corp
Material
Biodegradable/ Reusable
Recyclable
Vegan
Price
Support this business
Yes
Bamboo paper
Biodegradable
No
Yes
£5.00 per pack. 2.4 per straw
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