Straws

My main theme for this blog is that there are small and easy things you can do to help the environment. I'm sure you all have heard everything there is to know about straws. But have you actually invested in them? Does it seem too small of an action to actually make a difference? Or perhaps you don't want to invest in the expensive straws some companies offer. Whatever it may be, I am here to tell you why reusable straws are a great and simple way to help the environment and how they can become an aesthetic addition to any drink.

1 | STRAWS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

I want to talk about why plastic straws hurt our environment and why metal/glass straws make such difference. Straws seems like such a small and insignificant piece of plastic that couldn't possibly matter all that much however in reality, straws harm ecosystems, marine life, and humans all together. 

Everyday people enjoy their favorite drink and the straw that accompanies it. After being used for about an hour, straws get thrown away and eventually end up in our oceans. There they break down into 'micro plastics' that are then absorbed and eaten by marine life. As a result, they end up returning to us in our fish, water, and even sea salt!

Unlike most other plastic items, straws are not easily recyclable and they can take up to 500 years to decompose. Because they are so thin and flexible they generally slip through cracks of machinery during recycling. So even if you make a conscious choice to throw away your straws into a recycling bin, the chances of them actually making it through the full recycling process are slim. In most cases they usually end up being swept back into our oceans, pollute our waters, kill our marine friends, and end up as part of our diet. This is why it is so important for us to start reducing the amount of plastic straws we consume and focus on more eco friendly alternatives.

A popular misconception is that straws are not a significant part of the waste in our oceans. Although I'd love for this to be true, straws actually have been listed in the top 10 items found during a beach cleanup, making them quite common. When Americans on average use 500 million straws a day, the numbers add up. If every single individual uses 1.6 straws a day, imagine what difference one metal straw could do and what impact you and your metal straw could do in one year. That's 584 less straws in our oceans! Helping the planet does not have to put a hole in your wallet, it can be as simple as buying a $5 pack of metal straws and putting them to use.

2 | WHERE TO BUY

Whether you want to spend $30 or $5 on your reusable straws you will make a difference! I am here to show you some of my favorites options with a range of prices. The more expensive straws are from companies that generally donate a good amount of funds directly to charities and organizations founded to help save the planet. However, I have also listed some inexpensive straw options.

SAND CLOUD

Sand Cloud is one of my favorite eco friendly companies. They donate 10% of all their profits to marine conservation groups and host several beach cleanups open to everyone. They offer extremely cute towels, water bottles, and more. They have different straws packs that range from $4-11. If you do decide to buy your straws from this company don’t forget to use the code TIANATHOMPSONN773 to get 25% off your purchase!

ECO WARRIOR

The Eco Warrior is a really great company that focuses on providing people with eco friendly alternatives to plastic products and more. They focus on helping people transition into a more sustainable life. They hold all of the companies they work with to a very high standard and make sure that they produce their products ethically and in a sustainable manner. They offer inexpensive waste free and carbon neutral shipping! 

AMAZON

Now I know there is some debate over Amazon and their environmental impact however, they do offer some loveable eco friendly products. Sadly their one day to two day shipping option is not so eco friendly, however there is talk about eco friendly shipping options for the future! Below I have linked various reusable straws that they offer. If you do make a purchase from them I suggest opting out of the two day shipping!

Classic - This cute little set offers 4 silver straws for as little as $4!!! 

Keychain - This little bundle deal offers 4 reusable silicone straws that come in a cute keychain case!

Color - This super inexpensive pack comes with 4 colored stainless steel. The company has a lot of other options as well.

Collapsible - These have been gaining popularity on social media so I figured I’d add them as well.

3 | CONCLUSION

Straws not only do not make it through the recycling process returning to our oceans but they also do harm to our marine animals and ourselves. At the end of the day no matter how small something might seem it's always good to keep in mind, everything counts.  Whether you use metal straws, take 5 minute showers, or use less plastic it is always a good way to start saving the planet!

Photograph by Savannah Corrales