How are Reusable Straws Eco Friendly and Why Should You  Use Them?

Jumping onto a more sustainable lifestyle isn't always easy, but let's talk about something surprisingly simple: How are reusable straws eco-friendly? Getting rid of disposable straws was quite a difficult eco-friendly switch. (And we sometimes still find ourselves accepting the disposable ones.) Surprisingly, living in France, I didn't use many straws. However, moving to the U.S. changed my consumption habits significantly.

I think I probably used more straws in the three years I lived in the U.S. than in all the other countries I've lived in combined! This change makes me wonder whether reusable straws are eco-friendly and what impact they could have.

And trust me, it is not just me. Humans use roughly enough straws daily to wrap around the Earth's circumference 2.5 times! It's a bit wild when you think about it.

Sadly, this is a common theme across the country. This is exactly why cities like Seattle have started banning plastic straws. These bans make you wonder: How are reusable straws eco-friendly? They're part of a bigger movement towards reducing waste and rethinking what we use daily.

Straws Are For Suckers (except reusable ones 😀)

I am not saying that straws were a problem for me. I loved them in my homemade smoothies and cold lattes (yum). But instead of using plastic straws, switching to reusable ones has shown me how eco-friendly reusable straws are in practical, daily applications.

I agree that the switch was challenging at first. It took me about three months to make it a habit of remembering to carry one in my bag! But trust me, it gets easier.

Gradually, I changed my mindset, remembering my cold coffee cup and forgetting less and less. It feels significantly better for my conscience and our planet.

Plus, whenever I refuse a plastic straw and pull out my stainless steel one, I positively influence those around me (kind of a domino effect), a nice feel-good bonus of growing your zero-waste kit. It’s like I’m making a small stand for our planet in the coffee shop!

Choosing Your First Reusable Straw

While I usually encourage buying as many items as possible in thrift stores, straws are quite personal, and I only recommend buying them new! When you switch to reusable straws, you have different options like stainless steel, silicone (which might be better if you have kids), and yes, even plastic—but reusable. You'll find different sizes and shapes, even cute ones with custom designs like chevrons and pineapples. Making the switch is not only eco-friendly but also fun.

If you've made the switch, please send me a picture of your straws in a cool homemade drink or at your coffee shop and post it on the Facebook page or tag us on Twitter using the hashtag #AGreenerLife! Looking forward to seeing your pictures!

Understanding How are Reusable Straws Eco-Friendly

So, when you use a reusable straw, you are significantly reducing plastic waste. This is super important for maintaining healthy ecosystems and avoiding pollution of the oceans, where most single-use straws end up. Using straws made of stainless steel, silicone, or even durable plastics, each person can eliminate approximately 584 plastic straws per year from our waste streams.

Moreover, this direct action supports local waste reduction efforts. Not only this, it also supports global initiatives to preserve marine life and reduce landfill usage. So, it is simple. The answer to how are reusable straws eco friendly lies in their durability and the way they encourage us to rethink our habits around disposable products.

Living with Reusable Straws

You're in for an adventure once you have decided to live with reusable straws. Trust me, at first, I also felt a bit odd pulling out my metal straw at restaurants or cafes. But, you know what? The reaction has always been mostly positive.

People get curious and ask questions, which sparks a little conversation about whether reusable straws are eco-friendly and what we can all do to help. The conversations are all about sharing knowledge and experiences; honestly, it feels great to be part of a larger conversation.

If you think about it, the upfront cost might be higher than that of a pack of disposable straws, but the investment pays off over time. You’re no longer buying packs of straws repeatedly, which can add up.

The good news is that many restaurants and cafes offer reusable options, and some places have even begun incentivizing customers who bring their own. This movement reflects a broader change in how society views disposable products and the growing trend towards sustainability.

Summing it up

So, I think understanding how are reusable straws eco friendly might seem small and unnecessary at first. But once you have fully explored this area, you will also start believing in being part of a larger shift towards being more mindful of what we consume and throw away. A straw might just be a straw, but they add up to a much larger movement towards sustainability.

Ditch Plastic! Get Your Set Of Reusable Here 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean reusable straws?

It is very easy to clean them because most reusable straws come with a specially designed brush. If they are made from dishwasher-safe materials, you can also wash them in the dishwasher.

What are the best materials for reusable straws?

Popular options for reusable straws are mostly stainless steel and silicone. People also prefer glass straws, which are rigid and transparent but more fragile. Bamboo straws are becoming increasingly popular as they are 100% natural and organic.

Can reusable straws help reduce my carbon footprint?

100%! By reducing your reliance on single-use plastics, you directly contribute to decreased plastic production, waste, and, often, lower carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transporting disposable items.