Metal straws have become a popular fad in the past few months. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have helped these products blow up and become popular among young teenage girls. Metal straws have helped decrease the purchase and use of plastic straws. They are more eco-friendly and durable, but these straws are not biodegradable and when they are heated, toxins can leak into your drink. However, there may be better alternatives to metal straws. 

Compostable Straws

These straws are convenient if you want something disposable or are serving drinks to a large party. They are compostable, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources.

Bamboo

These straws have a low carbon footprint, have a sustainable production process, and have a good afterlife. They are usually made without pesticides or dye and are compostable.  You will need to properly clean and dry them to avoid the growth of mold or bacteria.

Glass

These straws are the best against erosion of products with high acidity. They are also the best to clean because they are see-through. They are not very biodegradable.

Silicone

Silicone straws are hard to recycle, but they produce 9 times less greenhouse gases as plastic straws.

Biodegradable plastics

These are a non-fossil plastic alternative. Unfortunately, These can only biodegrade under certain conditions and will usually end up in landfills where other plastics do.

Edible Straws

These straws are edible, biodegradable, and have a low carbon footprint. 

No Straw

This is the best and most eco-friendly choice. If you have the option to go strawless, do it!

In the end, not using a straw is the best alternative, but if you do want to use a straw, use a bamboo straw. Out of all plastic straw alternatives, bamboo is the safest and most eco friendly. 

Sources:

Pinkoi. “What You Need to Know About Metal Straws and Reusable Straws.” Pinkoi, Pinkoi, 6 Sept. 2019, https://en.pinkoi.com/magz/GBars5wu.

Sutcliffe, Theodora. “Straws – 10 Alternatives to Plastic Straws.” Difford’s Guide – for Discerning Drinkers, 13 Apr. 2018, https://www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/1405/cocktails/straws-10-alternatives-to-plastic-straws.