Plastic straw alternatives are on the rise, spurred by Canada’s vow to ban single-use plastics by the end of 2021. If you’ve bought a drink from a restaurant lately, have you noticed the type of straw you’re getting?
Now that plastic is out, what are your options? In this week’s blog post, we’re giving you 10 alternatives to single-use plastic straws. Read on to learn more!
Reusable straws
Reusable straws have one thing in common: they can be taken home with you, cleaned, and used over and over! Made of a variety of different materials, here are some of our favourite reusable options.
Metal straws
First are metal straws. Metal straws are non-toxic, and highly durable! These emit no harmful toxins, making them safe for sipping
Metal straws are a personal favourite of mine because they keep iced drinks cold as you drink! Some metal straws are also collapsible, which makes them super convenient for on-the-go use.
Bamboo straws
When you think of bamboo, you might be imagining a panda chewing on its favourite meal. But did you know that bamboo could be made into straws too?
In a previous blog post, we talked all about the properties of bamboo as an alternative packaging material, and its durability.
Bamboo straws are often hand-carved, and since they are made of natural materials, they can be composted after their life cycle!
Glass straws
Glass straws are a little different from plastic, metal, and bamboo straws because they’re typically also heat-resistant!
These are best to use at home, given their delicate nature.
Sustainable single-use options
If you’re forgetful and think you might accidentally throw out your reusable straw, single-use non plastic alternatives also exist! Here are some eco-friendly single use straw options.
Seaweed straws
Under the sea, and into your straws, seaweed is a highly renewable resource. LOLIWARE uses seaweed to make durable, single-use straws.
According to LOLIWARE, their straws can withstand 18+ hours of continued use, meaning no soggy straws. These straws also start to fully degrade once composted.
Green straws
Made of fresh rice flour, tapioca, natural colouring, and no chemical preservatives, Green Straws are Vietnamese-made alternative to your standard single-use plastic straw.
These straws are also edible according to Green Straws, so you’ll have a snack after you sip!
Stroodles
Have you ever thought your pasta looked like a straw? That’s exactly what Stroodles are!
Made of wheat and water, 100% biodegradable, and flavourless, Stroodles are the most unusual but fun option we’ve found so far!e
Paper Straws
The most common plastic straw alternative is the paper straw. Available in a wide variety of colours and patterns, these are the most accessible and widely available.
However, the common issue that many consumers have with paper straws is they get soggy too quickly. If you’re a leisurely sipper, these may not be the best option for you, despite their wide availability.
Sugarcane straw
We’ve talked about sugarcane as an alternative packaging material in a previous post, but did you know that the material can also be used for straws?
Sugarcane straws are made of bagasse, which is the dry, pulpy material leftover after sugar extraction, reducing the amount of waste in the overall sugarcane extraction process.
The resulting straws are durable and won’t get soggy, unlike paper straws.
Why you should consider plastic straw alternatives
At LeKAC Sourcing, the environment is at the heart of what we do. We’re here to support you in your search for plastic straw alternatives and other eco-friendly packaging!
Reusable straws are a great plastic straw alternative, but we realize that it isn’t always convenient Although our specialty is in eco-friendly packaging, part of our mission also includes sourcing other items, like straws!
Interested in creating custom packaging with LeKAC? Contact us to learn more about how we can help you make your packaging dreams com true!
Whether you have your own design or need a helping hand, we’re with you every step of the way!
