EMBARK
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PLANET OR PLASTIC
MORE THAN 100 MILLION single-use straws—most
of them plastic—are used in the United States each day.
They end up in waterways, harm sea animals, and break
down into microplastics that are becoming ubiquitous
on Earth. Numerous places have passed plastic-straw
bans as a way to start addressing the global plastic
waste problem. Disability advocates, however, have
pushed back on bans: They say straws are a necessary,
everyday tool for many people, and nonplastic ver-
sions may not be suitable substitutes. —SARAH GIBBENS
STRAW POLL: WHICH ONES
ARE ECO-FRIENDLY TO USE?
PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE
Straw materials: Assets
and disadvantages
- METAL
Made of stainless steel,
aluminum, or even titanium,
metal straws have become
a popular alternative. They
draw some criticism—for
having a metallic taste, con-
ducting heat from a hot drink,
and clanking against the
teeth—but they’re durable
to transport and reuse.
- PAPER
Paper drinking straws, which
date from the late 1800s,
often absorb liquid over time,
become mushy, and can leave
a taste or fibers in drinks.
They’re the most popular
throwaway option in places
with plastic-straw bans.
- SILICONE
This material provides a pop-
ular soft alternative to metal
reusable straws. One company
has developed a silicone straw
with an extra environmental
twist: When burned, it turns
into biologically inert ash.
- GLASS
Though glass straws may be
more breakable and thus less
portable than reusable straws
of other materials, they hold
up well to washing and reuse.
Some makers add an artistic
flair to the straws with colors
and blown-glass designs
and ornaments.
- HARD PLASTIC
Reusable straws made from
rigid plastic are portable,
easy to clean, and reasonably
durable. Think of your typical
reusable plastic water bottle
shrunken to straw size.
- BAMBOO
This natural material can be
sustainably produced and
is a plant-based alternative
to fabricated straws. Bamboo
straws are reusable but can
be hard to clean completely
and may absorb flavors. When
it’s time to dispose of them,
they’re easily compostable.
- BENDABLE STRAWS
When bendable straws were
first made in the 1940s, they
were a boon in health-care
settings to help patients drink
without sitting up. Plastic
bendable straws have become
the safe, low-cost default in
such settings—but the hunt
is on for greener alternatives.
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Learn more about plastic
waste and take the pledge
to reduce it at natgeo.com/
plasticpledge.