If you’ve been around for a while, you know how we feel about single-use plastic (just say no).
Plastic straws are on the top 10 list of items most found on beaches and in waterways. During a five-year documented beach clean-up, almost 7.5 million plastic straws were collected from U.S. shorelines.
So, what's an eco-friendly person to do? Maybe you’ve tried to go straw-free, but struggled to enjoy your smoothie or drink on the rocks because ice keeps hitting you in the face.
Fortunately, bamboo straws are an excellent eco-friendly solution to plastic drinking straws.
Why You Should Switch to a Bamboo Straw
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet and is an excellent choice for swapping out many less eco-friendly products.
Bamboo is Natural and Renewable
Bamboo grows incredibly fast – up to 7 times faster than trees! Each plant can be harvested every few years for up to 30 years without excess water or pesticides. In the wild, bamboo leaves also break down creating natural fertilizer for the plant to regrow.
Bamboo is Long-Lasting and Durable
Bamboo is stronger than steel and a bamboo straw can last many years if properly cared for. So you’ll be using just a handful of bamboo straws compared to the over 38,000 plastic straws the average person uses in their lifetime.
Bamboo is a Biodegradable
When you’re done with your bamboo straw you can simply compost it! Break it into smaller pieces if needed and add them to your compost bin. Using a natural material like bamboo will help protect wildlife from accidentally eating more plastic.
Bamboo Straws vs Other Reusable Options
Bamboo straws aren’t the only option on the market. So how do they compare to other straws?
Bamboo Straws Compared to Steel
Steel straws are a popular reusable choice because they’re very durable and easy to clean. They’re also 100% recyclable. However, the production of steel straws creates greenhouse gas emissions that harm the environment.
I prefer a bamboo straw over steel because I don’t have to worry about my straw becoming too hot or cold based on my beverage. And have you ever accidentally jammed a steel straw against your teeth? Ouch.
Bamboo Straws Compared to Silicone
Many people choose silicone straws because they’re flexible and durable making them comfortable to drink from and easy to travel with. Silicone straws are less harmful to the environment than plastic because they’re recyclable (at specialized recycling centers). They also won’t break down into microplastics which is an ever-growing problem.
Unfortunately, most silicone straws won’t make it to a recycling center and silicone uses natural gas and oil in production. Bamboo straws will break down when you’re finished with them and can be harvested ethically on small rural farms.
Bamboo Straws Compared to Paper
Paper straws seem like a good option for parties and everyday use. People love them because of the fun colors and patterns. They’re also inexpensive and biodegradable. However, paper straws are single-use and still end up in landfills leading to more paper waste.
As for durability, paper straws may start to peel or dissolve in liquids, unlike bamboo. They can also be flimsy when wet and bend or break making them difficult to use. Bamboo straws stand up to hot or cold temperatures and maintain their durability over time.
Bamboo Straws Compared to Compostable Straws
When you hear the word compostable you may think “Great! Problem solved!”. Not so fast, friend. Even compostable straws made from “natural” materials need the right conditions to break down and that process can take up to 20 years.
Bamboo straws are all-natural and with the right amount of moisture and heat can break down in as little as eight weeks.
Bamboo Straws Compared to Glass
Glass straws became a popular option because they’re pretty and they make it easy to see if they’re clean (no peering through the end like a cartoon villain). But if you’ve ever handled a slippery glass dish, you’ll know your straw may end up in pieces on the floor before you have a chance to use it.
Though glass straws are reusable, they still harm the environment with the CO2 emissions created during production. Bamboo straws can be made right from the bamboo stalk and don’t require intense processing like glass.
What to Consider When Buying Bamboo Straws
When shopping for a bamboo straw, you’ll want to think about what you'll be using the straw for and who will be using it. Are you looking to buy bamboo straws in bulk to use or resell at your business? Or do you just need a few for personal use? There are options to order hundreds of bamboo straws at