Yes, it’s time to ditch the plastic straws. Here’s why - and how.
As we all know, fads come and go.
So, when we first started hearing about a growing movement to ban plastic straws across the U.S. and the world, it’s not surprising that many people dismissed it.
But a deeper dive into some key statistics shows why it’s clearly time to reduce - and yes, eliminate - the use of plastic straws in our society.
Consider this:
- Plastic straws are one of the top 10 items collected in beach and ocean cleanups, according to the Ocean Conservancy.
- During a 5-year ocean cleanup by the Ocean Conservancy, 7.5 million straws were found on U.S. shorelines.
- Plastic straws are too lightweight to actually be recycled, which is why they often end up in our oceans.
For all these reasons, states, countries, local jurisdictions, and companies are increasingly implementing bans on plastic straws. But while bans like this will certainly help, the best way for an individual to help ensure the elimination of plastic straws from our oceans is to personally stop using them.
Luckily, there are a growing number of affordable reusable straws.
Bamboo straws, for instance, provide a natural alternative to single-use plastic. Bamboo reusable straws are easy to clean and provide the sturdiness and durability that are often lacking in other straw alternatives, like those made from paper.
Stainless steel or metal reusable straws are another durable and easy-to-clean alternative to plastic. These straws can be both straight or curved to ensure they mimic the shapes that users have become accustomed to with their plastic straws.
Considering alternatives to single-use plastic straws? Check out our reusable ecosystem which features reusable bamboo straw kits and stainless steel reusable straw kits.