It wouldn’t be summer without sitting in the sunshine, sipping an ice-cold drink through a straw. Whilst we’re enjoying ourselves it’s easy to ignore the wider impact such a simple action can have on the environment. Eco-friendly straws mean you can enjoy your favorite summer drinks without contributing to the plastic problem!

Why are eco-friendly straws better than plastic straws?

Plastic straws are often only used once and then thrown away. The US uses around 500 million plastic straws per day, in bars and restaurants as well as the home. Whilst a single plastic straw might not seem that big of a problem, looking at the big picture makes it easier to see how harmful straws can be to the planet. Eco-friendly straws are a great option to help both humans and the earth.

The problem with plastic straws

Our oceans gain over 15 million tons of plastic each year. Experts predict that in just 3 years from now, the weight of plastic in the ocean will equal one third of the weight of fish. Marine life can confuse plastic in the ocean with food, which seriously harms fish, turtles, aquatic mammals, and seabirds. Plastic will lodge in the nose, throat and stomachs of these animals, causing them to get sick or die.

Plastic straws are made from petroleum oil, which is a non-renewable material. As there are finite amounts of oil on the earth, straw manufacturing is taking up valuable resources for something that most of us use as a small luxury.

When plastic degrades, it breaks into tiny particles called ‘microplastics’. Microplastics cause problems not only for sea life but also for humans, through the food chain and water supplies. Eco-friendly straws prevent these problems caused by plastic straws, and have some additional benefits too!

The benefits of eco-friendly straws

Eco-friendly straws are typically made from stainless steel or paper. If you’re a business, such as a bar or restaurant, paper straws are a great throw-away option to offer your customers whilst reducing plastic waste. They’re low-cost and will show your guests that your business cares about the environment.

Stainless steel straws are the perfect eco-friendly straw for giveaways and promotional items. They’re dishwasher friendly, so your customers and guests can hygienically reuse them indefinitely. You can customize these straws with either metallic colors or colorful silicon tips to match your brand. With personalized pouches, giving away eco-friendly straw sets at events means you can get your brand out to a wider audience whilst encouraging sustainability.

Many cities in the US have already issued a ban on plastic straws, and it’s likely that more will follow suit along the Race to Zero. Consumers today often vote with their wallets when it comes to environmental issues. Getting on board with eco-friendly straws now means that your business can stay in the favor of the eco-conscious, driving business whilst sending a positive message!