ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES The Benefits of Reusable Straws and Our Top Picks – GWC Mag gwcmagApril 8, 2024062 views Reusable straws are part of the global movement to reduce single-use plastics and help the environment. They are easily swapped in for their disposable counterparts. With the detrimental effects of plastic pollution increasingly evident, individuals and governments alike are seeking solutions to mitigate the damage. Reusable straws offer a promising avenue towards reducing plastic waste, providing a range of benefits for both individuals and the environment. Reusable straws offer benefits for both individuals and the environment. The main benefits of reusable straws include sustainability, cost-effectiveness, safety, portability, and versatility. Firstly, they contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, waterways, and oceans. Unlike their disposable counterparts, reusable straws can be used repeatedly, significantly cutting down on environmental harm. Moreover, they prove cost-effective over time, sparing individuals the recurring expense of purchasing disposable straws. Safety is another key advantage, as reusable straws are free from the harmful toxins often found in plastic straws, offering a safer option for enjoying beverages. Their portability, often accompanied by a convenient case or pouch, makes them ideal for on-the-go use. 1. Softy Straws Softy Straws Softy Straws offer a premium experience with their Wide Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws, featuring a patented Straw Squeegee for thorough cleaning. These 9″ long straws, curved for 20/30/32oz tumblers, are BPA-free, flexible, and safe for kids. Get a 4-pack for $12.99. One reviewer said, “The Premium Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws prove that sustainable choices can be both functional and stylish. With their neutral pastel colors, these straws don’t just serve their purpose but also add a touch of elegance to your drink. The inclusion of a patented straw squeegee is ingenious, making cleaning a breeze and ensuring optimal hygiene. Their 9” length with a curved bend seamlessly fits 20/30/32oz tumblers, offering versatility. Made of BPA-free material, these flexible and bendy straws are especially commendable for their safety, particularly for kids and toddlers.” 2. Evron Evron Silicone Straws Evron has a practical solution with their Openable & Washable Silicone Straws, designed for easy cleaning and reuse. Made from BPA-free food-grade silicone, these smoothie straws are compatible with both hot and cold beverages, available in a 4-piece set for $7.99. Nambar said, “My toddler is into straws but the environmental aspect of it is hard for me so I wanted something I can have in his bag and pull out as needed, but also be able to clean on the go. I also always seem to lose the pipe cleaners for these things. Over all this is a good design and it works well. easy to open and clean and easy to snap back into place. so far it’s held up and the straw works well. I would say the only thing is because of the design/mechanism it’s a little bulky. but that’s not too hard to live with.” 3. Hiware Hiware Stainless Steel Metal Straws Hiware offers a sustainable alternative with their 12-pack Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws, complete with a convenient case and two cleaning brushes. Dishwasher-safe and suitable for 20 oz and 30 oz tumblers, this eco-friendly option is priced at $6.99. Jeff said, “These metal straws with case are a practical and a better alternative for those who don’t like plastic for whatever reason. These straws are well-constructed and durable, making them perfect for daily use. The included carrying case is a convenient addition, ensuring easy portability and hygiene. 2 straw cleaners are also included for easy cleaning.The sleek design of the stainless steel straws adds a touch of elegance to any drink. And because they are metal, and not flexible, you can actually drink a shake out of them, unlike flimsy silicone straws. As for comfort, I do prefer the bent straws over the straight ones but this pack includes both so you have the option. These are a great alternative to disposable plastic straws, this set is a sustainable and stylish choice for eco-conscious consumers.” 4. Piteno Piteno Glass Straws Piteno has an elegant touch to sustainability with their 16-Pack Reusable Glass Straws, featuring a set of 6 straight and 6 bent straws with 4 cleaning brushes. Perfect for various drinks, from smoothies to tea, this set is priced at $7.99! Jesse Harris left a review saying, “This is the second package I have purchased because I love them so much. I haven’t had any issues with the straws breaking. They clean very well in the dishwasher and I hardly have to use the scrubber. I love the size, and I think that since they are a little bigger and thicker they are more durable. Highly recommend!” 5. Vitever Vitever Reusable Straws Vitever Reusable Straws come in 24 PCS with 12 translucent colors, including 4 brushes for easy cleaning. At 10.5″ long, these BPA-free straws can be bent and cut to customize the length, offering flexibility for $7.99. Laurel Davis said, “Some reusable straws are too wide for my uses (fruit smoothies and occasional sodas), but these are a great size. They are a bit too long for my pint glasses but they are super easy to cut down with scissors. The colors are all bright and fun and still see-through, and they clean very easily just under running hot water (the included brush works well but I find I don’t really need it because of how well the material cleans off).” 6. Kynup Kynup Reusable Straws Kynup Reusable Straws come in a 4-pack of collapsible, portable, and foldable metal straws. They feature a telescopic design and come with a case, cleaning brushes, and keychain for on-the-go use, priced at $9.99. Shannon said, “Love these straws! Very affordable, easy to use and clean, lightweight, and great to use on cruises. I recommend these to everyone tired of using paper or edible straws. Comes with a clip so you can hang them on your purse or your lanyard.” 7. Naively Naively Metal Reusable Straws Embrace sustainability with Naively Metal Reusable Straws, a 3-pack of collapsible stainless steel straws. Encased in plastic with silicone tips, these pocket-sized straws are suitable for 10-30 oz cups and tumblers, offering portability and practicality for $7.95. Linda F. said, “I bought these for a cruise as I thought they were required. But nope. But I do like them. So convenient to wear around my neck so I didn’t need to ask for a straw. Easy to clean too with the included brush.” 8. YFZBamoo YFZBamoo Bamboo Straws YFZBamoo presents an eco-conscious choice with their 18-pack of Reusable Bamboo Straws made from natural bamboo fibers. Dishwasher-safe and biodegradable, these 7.9-inch straws offer a sustainable alternative for $12.99. One reviewer said, “I picked up these because they are sustainable and there’s no chance of damaging my teeth like I might on a metal straw. I also like the feel of these better than metal or silicone straws.” 9. Ello Ello Reusable Stainless Steel Straws Ello Reusable Stainless Steel Straws feature FDA food-grade silicone tips for comfortable drinking and a cleaning brush for thorough maintenance, priced at $5.29. They are dishwasher-safe and designed for lasting use. One reviewer said, “I drink a lot of water from large insulated tumblers and prefer to sip through a straw, preferably a reusable straw. I’m kind of clumsy, I drop the tumblers frequently and the straws that are all steel tend to get chipped when I do that. The rubber tips are sturdy & prevent chipping. The four-pack assures there’s always a fresh one ready to go. Comes with a brush to easily clean inside the straw.” 10. Sunseeke Sunseeke Silicone Straws Sunseeke Silicone Straws offers versatility with 12 Standard Drinking Straws, complete with 4 carry pouches and 2 cleaning brushes. Made of food-grade platinum silicone, this $9.99 set ensures safe and convenient sipping on the go. Erin Shaeffer said, “This is the second time I’ve purchased these straws and I love them. The little cases let me toss them in my bag for work and keep them in my car. They’re fantastic to replace kid-cup straws and for the price, I don’t mind cutting them down to be more kid-friendly. They’re easy to keep clean with the included cleaning brushes and hold up great with repeated dishwasher cleaning. I will absolutely be buying more when my kids and grandkids help lose the current pack. :)” In 2020, the UK Government took a significant step towards addressing plastic pollution by implementing a ban on the distribution and sale of plastic straws, with exceptions granted for medical necessities. Before the ban, England alone consumed a staggering 4.7 billion plastic straws annually, with devastating consequences for the environment. These straws, taking hundreds of years to decompose, pose a grave threat to wildlife and contribute to increased greenhouse gases and microplastics. The transition to reusable straws represents a pivotal shift towards sustainability, offering individuals the opportunity to make conscious choices that benefit both themselves and the planet. By embracing reusable alternatives, we can collectively reduce our ecological footprint. 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