As a nature enthusiast and animal lover, sustainability is a global issue that's near and dear to my heart. Although I would love to save the planet singlehandedly, progress can only be made if people work together. While recycling, taking public transportation, and conserving electricity are all good places to start, another way to help is by purchasing a reusable straw as opposed to using disposable plastic ones. And if you're interested in getting a reusable straw for yourself, check out these 7 eco-friendly reusable straws. Mother Earth and I will both thank you later.
By now, you've probably heard that the use of disposable plastic straws is detrimental to the environment. According to National Geographic, 500 million straws are used everyday in the U.S. alone. And since they aren't recyclable or biodegradable, they're dumped into landfills where they aren't able to break down. Eventually, they make their way into oceans and waterways. (You've probably seen that heartbreaking photo of the turtle with a straw stuck in its nose). Anyway, plastic straws have proven to be a major problem, which is why it's our responsibility to do what we can. One really simple fix is to transition to reusable straws, and that doesn't mean you're relegated to using paper ones with pretty designs that nearly instantly dissolve in your drink. I've rounded up seven solid alternatives for you here.
01Silicon Drinking Straws ($8.95, Amazon)
These Flathead Silicon Drinking Straws are easy to clean, fit into both tumblers and water bottles, and they come in five super cute colors. One pack of 10 straws will cost you $8.95 on Amazon. Each pack comes with a special cleaning device and carrying bag, and they're dishwasher safe. Pro tip: Since they're bendy, you can fold the top and stuff them into a big water bottle.
02Collapsible Stainless Steel Straws ($24.50, FinalStraw)
FinalStraw 2.0 is a stainless steel reusable straw that sells for $24.50. Per the website's description, the 9-inch straw easily folds down into four pieces. You can get the reusable straw in a rainbow or silver color, and there are four colorful options for the case. Each straw comes with a cleaning wand, and since it's super compact, you can keep it in your purse at all times.
03Reusable Plastic Straws ($6.98, Amazon)
This pack of 25 reusable straws from AMZSOCKETS comes with super cute colors. They're plastic, dishwasher safe, and they come with a cleaning brush. They're currently available for $6.98 on Amazon, and because they're so cheap, you could even buy a few packs. Maybe you could even bring the extras to any summer cookouts you plan on attending this summer.
04Stainless Steel Straws ($7.99, Amazon)
Hiware's pack of 12 stainless steel straws come with a special cleaning device, and most importantly, they come in several varieties. Whether you're in the mood for a super long straw or one that bends at the top, they provide a vast selection. At only $7.99 per pack on Amazon, the world is your oyster.
05Metal Straws ($4.99, Amazon)
VEHHE Metal Straws come in funky tie-dye colors with a sweet drawstring bag and, most importantly, a cleaning brush. For only $4.99 on Amazon for a pack of four, you really can't go wrong.
06Allyooly Silicone Drinking Straws ($14.49, Amazon)
Allyooly Silicon Drinking Straws fold into a small, pod-like case. The exterior of each straw is made of soft silicon to avoid dental damage, and they come in sick colors. You can buy them for $14.49 on Amazon.
07StrawExpert Metal Straws With Silicon Tips ($9.99, Amazon)
StrawExpert's Stainless Steel Straws come with 16 in a pack to give you shape and size options. Each have a colorful silicon tip, and each pack comes with four cleaning brushes. These cost $9.99 on Amazon.
There are so many options for reusable straws. And environment aside, they'll save you cash in the long run. Whether you're looking for a metal straw, something that collapses, or a silicon straw, you'll be all set to sip in no time.
Editor's note: A previous product on this list has been removed from Amazon, and it has been replaced with a new product.
