The Best Alternatives to Plastic Straws

The Best Alternatives to Plastic Straws

Since 2020, there’s been a nationwide ban on single-use plastic. This includes cotton buds, plastic drink stirrers and straws.

Despite what we might think, straws are not a modern invention. Humans have in fact been using cylindrical devices to bring liquid to their lips for centuries. Since plastic was only invented at the beginning of the 20th century, we did without plastic straws for all of that time and we can do without them again. 

Why are plastic straws (and all single-use plastic) harmful?

They are not biodegradable. Instead, they degrade extremely slowly into harmful microplastics which are then ingested by living creatures, including humans. Neither are they recyclable. (We’ve talked before about the finitude of plastic recycling and how you can cut back on plastic in your home.)

So what’s the solution?

Paper / metal / glass: straws that are eco-friendly

Some drinks simply taste better through a straw… A can of coke, a strawberry milkshake, a fruity cocktail… (And don’t just take our word for it – it’s all in the science!) So we don’t want to do away with straws entirely, we just need good alternatives to the plastic variety.

There are a few options available in the post-plastic-straw era, these are:

• Glass straws
• Steel straws
• Paper straws
• Silicone straws
• Reusable plastic straws

The problem is, some of these are less practical than others. Paper straws for example, are compostable, but so much so that they’re practically composing in your drink! You need to drink fast to avoid a soggy straw.

Reusable plastic straws are still perpetuating plastic production. Plus, there is growing evidence to suggest that some plastics leach chemicals into our food and drink. 

Silicone straws are less harmful, but – let’s be honest – they don’t look great. They’re perfect for children, but if you’re after something stylish for your kitchen / cafe / bar, a silicone straw is not it. 

So that leaves steel and glass straws which, in our opinion, are the best alternatives out there. It’s also why we stock a variety of them here at Pretty Little Home. 

Glass straws: What’s the deal?

When we think of glass, we think: delicate and breakable. However, glass straws are made from borosilicate – an element containing boron oxide and silica – a highly durable substance. In fact, it’s the very same glass used in industrial manufacturing for console panels and for laboratory glassware. 

The benefits of glass straws:

• Durable / resistant to breakage
• Hypoallergenic (unlike paper or plastic straws)
• Can be used with hot or cold liquids
• Stylish

We recommend our four-piece glass straw set consisting of two different sizes. These ones are patterned with white polka dots, but you can also choose from black polka dots, black hearts or white hearts.

Metal straws: what’s the deal?

Most reusable metal straws are made from stainless steel – as are ours – though some are aluminium. Elegant, stylish and corrosion resistant, metal straws have significant advantages over other reusable straws. 

The benefits of metal straws:

• Extremely durable
• As a result of the above, you can take them anywhere without fear of damaging them. (Good news if you like to have several items knocking about in the abyss of your handbag!)
• Hypoallergenic
• Long-lasting, corrosion and oxidation resistant (they’ll never rust).

Our stainless steel straws are also sold as a four piece set. Available in four, sleek black and white patterns, these straws are the ultimate companions to dinner party cocktails. 

. . .

Beautifully packaged, our steel and glass straws make excellent and original gifts. Stand out from the crowd (and the sea of flowers and houseplants) at housewarmings with a present that’s pretty, unique and sustainable.