Are Plastic Straws The Next Big Environmental Threat?

An estimate of 500 million plastic straws are used every day in the United States. It has been recorded that 7.5% of plastic in the environment comes from straws, according to an analysis by a group of pollution research non-profit organizations. The excessive use of plastic straws is doing more harm to the environment, specifically the oceans.

The Problem with Plastic Straws.

• Single-use plastic straws do not last long. Once used, they are thrown away.
• Straws count as one of the most common items that are picked up during beach clean-ups.
• Plastic Straws do not biodegrade, and cannot break into compounds that can easily be recycled.
• Plastic straws are harmful to ocean wildlife due to their sizes and cylindrical shape. When taken in by these animals they can cause choking, suffocation, and eventual death.

Is there an alternative to Plastic Straws?

Highlighted below are five alternatives to plastic straws

i) Paper straws: These straws are made of cellulose paper and are compostable and biodegradable.

ii) Steel straws: They are ideal for all occasions and are the most durable and reusable.

iii) Bamboo straws: They are the only straws that are certified organic. They are durable, beautiful and cut from nature

iv) Glass straws: Glass straws are shatter resistant and safe for people to use. They are lead free, toxin free and Bisphenol A-free.

v) No straws: Straws can be unnecessary if brands develop bottles or cups with lids that do not require the use of a straw.

Make a conscious effort to reduce plastic straw usage. That way, you can help save the planet!