5 Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic Straws

Week 6

There are plenty of alternatives to the single-use plastic straw. Here are the pros and cons of five different materials. Of course, if you have any bamboo handy, you could always make your own!

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Bamboo

five bamboo straws

Pros

100% Biodegradable
Don't conduct heat or cold
Inexpensive

Cons

Hardest to clean
Shortest lifespan
Sometimes has woody aftertaste

Glass

Pros

Easiest to Clean/Dishwasher Safe
No Added Taste
Hypoallergenic
Can be added to curbside glass recycling

Cons

Most Breakable
Most Expensive
Conductor of Hot and Cold Liquids

Stainless Steel

Pros

Most Durable
Can Be Recycled with Metals
Travel Friendly

Cons

Temperature Sensitive
Difficult to clean without straw cleaner
More expensive than other options

Silicone

Pros

Flexible
Inexpensive
Once burned, silicone ash is biodegradable

Cons

Difficult to clean
As mentioned, not biodegradable without burning

Plastic

Pros

Inexpensive

Cons

Plastic never breaks down
Plastic toxins are harmful
Usually not recyclable

Letter of the Week: Ask for a "By Request Only" Straw Policy →