8 GOOD REASONS TO AVOID PLASTIC STRAWS
8 GOOD REASONS NOT TO USE PLASTIC STRAWS
Do you still use plastic straws? I stopped doing it for a while. Unfortunately, I keep forgetting to notify them at the restaurant. Next, my drink comes with one of the plastic straws. In this article, I’ll tell you why I have decided to completely do without plastic straws in the future for the sake of a plastic-free life. I’ll also show you cool, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws, and voila!
- PLASTIC STRAWS PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT
About 36 billion plastic straws are produced every day. That’s a total of 900 tons of plastic waste that is generated every day, and that’s just for plastic straws! We use 40 billion plastic straws every year. Pasting all of this together would result in a length extending from the earth to the moon 20 times Crazy. Unfortunately, many people ignore the awkward question of where do they end up in the end because Plastic straws take a long, long time before they can break down. The truth is that they end up in one of the huge mountains of garbage or in our oceans. See also the articles Plastic garbage in the environment and Garbage vortex in the sea. Let’s move on to the next point, which speaks against plastic straws. Because we not only pollute the environment with our garbage.
- ANIMALS INJURED BY PLASTIC STRAWS
If the environment is insufficient as a reason not to use plastic straws, the animal world can help. About 90% of marine life has been in contact with plastic. The poor animals suffer from our unfounded plastic consumption, as you can see in this video using the example of a turtle. It hurt the first time I saw the video. Animals are in great pain and sometimes even have to accept death from inflammation. In my opinion, there is no more important reason to give up plastic straws!
- YOU ARE ONE OF THE 10 MOST FOUND ITEMS ON THE BEACH
During the so-called beach clean-ups, every seventh item found is a plastic straw. The plastic problem in our land is getting bigger and bigger. The fact that plastic straws are so frequently found on the beach shows how ruthless we are to our planet. A great warning that something must urgently change in our minds. Protecting our beautiful beaches is a really important reason to reject plastic straws and reject them in the spirit of the Zero-waste lifestyle.
- THE MANUFACTURE OF PLASTIC STRAW CONTAINERS COSTS ENERGY
Another good reason not to use plastic straws is the enormous amount of energy that goes into making them. Disposable plastic straws have a very short shelf life. Some are only used for 10 minutes and then end up in the trash. Is the elaborate manufacturing process and CO2 emitted worth it? Not in my opinion!
- SEATTLE WANTS PLASTIC STRAWS BANNED
Seattle proves it’s possible! Starting July 1, 2018, plastic straws will be completely banned in Seattle. The city has recognised the negative effects of plastic flooding on our environment and is now setting a good example. I hope that more cities will follow suit and also recognise the problem.
- PLASTIC STRAWS CANNOT BE USED
Plastic straws can be colourful and, therefore, thought fun for children. If you tell children (see also environmental protection at school) about the problem of plastic straws, they will surely be more excited about the many alternatives that are already available. There was never a time when there were only plastic straws. As the name suggests, regular straws were invented from sipped plastic and have replaced many other natural things besides straws. But the plastic straw was never necessary.
- IT’S SO EASY TO DO WITHOUT PLASTIC STRAW!
If you want to do something good for the environment, there is nothing easier than simply dispensing with the plastic straws on your Saturday night because of; they, thought. With the simple phrase “For me, please without a straw”, you are doing much more than you initially think. The problem of plastic on earth is significant, and every step, no matter how small, has an effect. “What does a straw do?” Let’s say 7 billion people. Think about it.
- THERE ARE MANY PLASTIC ALTERNATIVES!
Why do you need plastic straws? There are so many alternatives to polluters these days; here, they are!
STAINLESS STEEL STRAW HOLDER
The stainless steel straw is my absolute favourite; here among alternatives to plastic straws. Not only does it look great, but it’s also absolutely tasteless and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. Plus, it’s tough!
GLASS STRAW HOLDER
If you’re not as excited about the stainless steel straw as I am, you might like glass straws! The glass straws are also dishwasher safe. And they are in bad taste. Glass straws are not as sturdy as stainless steel straws, but if you use them right, they will last a long time!
BAMBOO STRAWS
Then there’s the third alternative to plastic straws, the bamboo straw. I am a huge fan of bamboo. The downside to this straw is that it cannot be washed in the dishwasher, only by hand. This works best with warm soapy water. You can get the CareElite bamboo straws here.
NO STRAW!
Have you ever thought about it? Why do we even drink from a straw when we drink water, coffee, and other beverages without a straw? Of course, we get used to drinking cocktails, fruit juices, or other drinks through a straw. But it is not necessary. So why not just say no and reject the straw entirely?
DISPOSABLE ALTERNATIVES
Of course, reusable alternatives are the best for the environment and are more in line with the Zerowaste lifestyle. But if it’s too fiddly for you or you want to host a big plastic-free party, for example where straws shouldn’t be lacking, two good disposable alternatives are better for the environment than plastic straws.
Straws: Yes, you read that correctly, they are straw straws. At least they live up to their name. The straw made of straw is tasteless and of course very easy to disassemble. I also think it looks 1000 times better than plastic straws. And at the party draws attention. You can get straws made of straw.
Paper Straws: The second option is paper straws. They are not as sustainable as straws, but they are still much better for the environment than plastic straws. The downside to paper straws is that they eventually get soggy. But that takes a while, and since you rarely use a straw for longer than 30 minutes, that shouldn’t be a problem. You can get paper straws.
IS THE PLASTIC STRAW NECESSARY?
No, they are not. I hope these 8 reasons against plastic straws help you avoid plastic straws in the future. As you’ve seen, there are plenty of alternatives these days that are reusable, washable, and inexpensive. Or maybe you can do it like me and do without straws entirely.