#reusablestraw

By now, we all know plastic straws are harmful to the environment: they are non-biodegradable; release toxic chemicals (BPA’s) when they do eventually break down; and they find their way into our waterways and marine life.

But do you really need to run out and buy a reusable straw? It is after all, not going to save the environment. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care either. The following is a look at the most popular kinds of reusable straws (stainless steel, bamboo, paper, glass) and the main complaints that come along with owning them.

Of course, the most environmentally friendly option is not to use a straw at all. But I get that it’s not always possible. Some people need to use straws. Disabled people felt completely forgotten about in the Starbucks straw ban decision, causing the multi-million dollar chain to slightly backpedal on their commitment. Then there are those with teeth sensitive to cold and hot temperatures who feel a straw protects their pearly whites, enamel and prevents cavities. And people who just plain like slurping through a straw. That’s OK too.

Consider these issues and workarounds before hitting checkout on your next Amazon order.

1) Convenience

Source: The Zero Waste Memoirs

Let’s face it. Reusable straws, cups, tupperwares and bags can be hard to remember. But that doesn’t mean you can’t instill positive habits on yourself. Try creating a “zero waste kit” like in the photo above, with reusable napkins, cutlery, straws and whatever else you might need when out and about. Keep your kit somewhere you’ll always have it, like in your car, purse or backpack and instantly feel less guilty when you find yourself in a drive-thru or checkout line.

2) Sanitation Issues

While straws in the stainless steel variety are thought of as sanitary, they can come in odd shapes and thin airways that make them difficult to clean and inspect. Other varieties, like bamboo, an all natural and easy to produce straw, stay wet for a lengthy period of time. If not dried properly and can encourage bacteria or mold growth.

Source: Whale Oil

What you can do is purchase a brush made with synthetic fibers if it doesn’t come with your straw. Unfortunately, your straw brush will eventually break down and need to be disposed of. Another option is to try boiling your stainless steel straw in hot water then submerging it in vinegar for a few hours. Just be sure to let the straw cool down if you’re boiling it.

3) Longevity

Certain varieties, plastic and paper, are not a permanent solution; they need to be replaced. Paper in particular, becomes soggy and flimsy when in use and won’t likely see a second Sangria.

All you can do is try to determine if your paper straw can be composted like your bamboo straw could be. Though a more sustainable option than plastic, you will unfortunately, be buying more straws in the future.

4) Fragility

Source: eBay

Shattering glass straws, in particular, is a worry for some. I personally hold the fear of swallowing a shard of glass from a cracked drinking glass. While metal straws may come dishwasher safe, glass straws most certainly are not.

In the case of glass, be careful with it. Get a protective case for your straw. Treat it like you would a pair of prescription glasses or your grandmother’s expensive china: keep it someplace safe, off the ground and away from children.

Source: Strawsome

Before Buying, Ask Yourself: Do you really need a straw?

✘ Is something physically preventing you from being able to consume your drink?

✘ Can you just remove the lid to drink?

✘ Do your teeth hurt when exposed to hot or cold?

✘ Can you use a reusable cup and lid instead?

✘ Do you really need that specific drink?

✘ Can you request your drink be served sans straw?

OK-- here it is. My review of the first 10 days of my August ‘no throw away challenge’

I should start by saying that I first got the idea for this challenge from following an author on IG named @jedidiahjenkins.  In addition to just publishing a book, he co-founded the company #mybyta.  Byta is an incredible little BPA free, double vacuum sealed, leakproof mug that they engrave your name on- and I’m obsessed with it. He purchased a hip trailer, and traveled around promoting his Bytas, and encouraged people to join him on his June no throw away challenge. I was inspired....and addicted to following his insta story.

Just a casual pic of me and my adorable Byta on our way to work.

As mentioned in my previous posts, I live on Maui. If you haven’t read any of my previous posts, I’m sure you’ve gathered from context clues that I live on Maui-- if you haven’t, then your teachers have not done well with their context clue lessons.

Anywhooo... it’s been 10 days.  My goal: to not throw away any plastic bottles or straws.  Now, this challenge has lived up to it’s name, it is called a challenge because it is meant to be challenging, but it’s also made me even more aware of HOW MUCH PLASTIC I STILL USE!  It is everywhere. Below is a picture of all of the eco-friendly things a great friend sent me for my birthday.. 90% of it wrapped in plastic.  But, as I keep reminding myself, my challenge was meant to be eye opening, and focused on starting small. Rome, as they say, was not built in a day. Also, since I live on an island, most of what I purchase comes wrapped in plastic from the mainland, and I haven’t quite figured out how to get out of that dilemma yet. 

To help myself be successful I’ve been collecting a lot of reusable mugs, cups, water bottles and straws.  I’ve placed them in my purse, car, at my job, and at home.  The first few days were cake.  I’ve already been dedicated to using a Hydroflask daily, and carrying around a metal straw in my purse, so I wasn’t feeling too out of my routine yet.  

Until Day 3: “The Margarita Incident”.  I had been having an amazing day with one of my girlfriends-  full of sunny weather, shopping, and laughter.  We decided to stop at a local bar for a margarita.  We were both giggling and not paying attention when the waiter came up to take our order, eager to get back to our conversation, we quickly ordered strawberry margaritas and resumed our conversation.  Minutes later the waiter arrived with our drinks, plastic straws and all.  In my haste, I had forgotten to say “no straw” when I ordered, and it was pointless not to use it at that point. Whether or not I drank out of that straw, it would have been disposed of.  So, there I sat, feeling guilty as I drank my margarita through a plastic straw, with my silicone straw sitting lonely unused beside it.  I made a mental note to always make sure to say “no straw” whenever I order something.  Realizing it was such a simple and easy to make mistake to make.

A few days after the margarita incident my confidence level had gone back up.  I had gone back to work and my ‘full proof’ mug at work and at home thing was working great. Midweek I was invited to celebrate a friends birthday, the party started at her house, and ended up at a painting party.  When I got to the house, everyone was casually having some drinks out of red solo cups, and once again I immediately realized I was not as prepared as I thought I was.  Knowing I could just easily just ask for a glass,  I opted not drink  since we were leaving soon anyway, but was really looking forward to a cocktail when we got there.  As we walked in, and I saw the list of fruity drinks on the wall, coupled with the paint set up with music blaring, my heart sank when I realized I’d left my Byta and silicone straw on the counter at my apartment.  They only served drinks in plastic cups, coupled with plastic straws...  It was in this moment I really made a choice.  I could just say “screw it, it’s ONE cup.”, but that’s the entire point of this challenge.  If we all keep doing that, and making exceptions, there will be no change.  So, I sucked it up, accepted my fate, and wound up cocktail-less, but having a blast anyway.    I left Island Art Party with a smile, a semi-descent painting of a sunset, and a sense of pride that I hadn’t taken the easy road. (If you live on Maui, I’m talking about Island Art Party in Azeka-- it was so fun, Wednesdays have kama‘aina 1/2 off deals)

I’m hoping to get through this month without throwing away any water bottles or straws, and to learn from my simple mistakes earlier this month.  Next month I’ll focus more on some other things.

Some advice I have to help get started on this journey is -- go reusable cup/mug/bottle shopping.  I went shopping in search of a perfect giant coffee mug last weekend, and finding it brought me so much silly joy. I mean, look at....

But seriously, just stock up. The Byta I got was a little on the pricey side, but I know it will last a long time, and it’s a quality product. My other mugs I got were from Amazon or TJ Maxx for really cheap.  

The month is a third over, so I’ll keep positing about my #plasticfree adventures.