So you’re still using a plastic straw? You may be surprised to find out that your straw is one of the most dangerous items in our oceans. Plastic pollution has been detrimental for marine life, with 5.25 trillion macro and micro pieces of plastic currently in the ocean and a high percentage of seabirds ingesting it every year.
One way we can help reduce this problem is by using stainless steel straws instead. In this article, I’ll answer some common questions about stainless steel straws and why they are better than plastic ones.
Why are plastic straws so bad?
First, we need to understand how plastic straws are made. Most disposable plastics in the United States come from fossil fuels, which have been found to release toxic chemicals that can harm humans and animals over time.
Plastic is also not biodegradable and never fully decomposes, it only breaks up into smaller pieces of microplastics that will continue harming marine life for generations.
It’s estimated that 100,000 marine animals and sea birds die each year from ingesting plastic waste such as straws. And it takes anywhere between 450 to 1000 years for a single piece of plastic to break down in the ocean.
The production of disposable plastics is also having an impact on our environment by polluting air, water, and soil with toxic chemicals and causing a variety of health problems for humans.
Luckily, there are some good alternatives to plastic straws. For example, stainless steel straws are not only better for the environment but also last longer than those made from other materials.
Can Stainless Steel Straws Help Save the Earth?
Our future is in danger. A lot of people are aware that we’re living on a planet in crisis, but most don’t know what to do about it. One simple way you can help save the Earth is by using stainless steel straws instead of plastic ones when possible.
These straws actually will make a huge positive impact on our environment by helping to reduce the amount of plastic we use every day.
They are also better for your health – stainless steel straws will not leach chemicals into your drink as plastic ones can, and they last longer than other types of straws so you won’t have to keep buying them.
It is very important that we all do what we can to stop the destruction of our planet. If you don’t want your children and grandchildren living in a world where there’s nothing left for them, it is time to make some changes now.
Stainless Steel Straws do make a difference
The expected life span of a stainless steel straw is from a few years to a lifetime, so you won’t have to buy new ones often. Stainless steel straws are eco-friendly, and there’s no worry that your kids will accidentally eat them.
If each person in the world will stop using plastic straws, we could save thousands of sea creatures every year. each one of us can make an impact by reducing the use of plastic.
Stainless Steel Straws do make a difference to the environment!
Why they’re better for the environment?
Stainless steel straws are better for the environment because they don’t use plastic, and will last a lifetime. The stainless steel itself can’t break down, meaning that it won’t end up in the environment.
Plastic straws are dangerous for animals because they can get stuck in their mouth and choke them, this is not a problem with stainless steel straws.
In addition to that, these straws can be easily recycled.
After researching this topic, I found out that using one steel straw has the same impact on the environment as not using a plastic straw for an entire year.
Unlike other materials like glass and paper, it doesn’t have to be disposed of in recycling centers. It’s also better because you don’t have to worry about breaking them or losing them.
Can stainless steel straws be used in hot drinks?
Stainless steel straws are safe to use in hot drinks, but it’s best that you wait for the drink to cool down before drinking. The hot water will not affect the stainless steel, but the hot liquid could cause heat transfer to your lips.
When using a metal straw with hot liquids, keep an eye on what’s happening since there could be some heat transfer from the hot liquid through the metal walls of your straw and onto your lips as you sip.
It’s best that you wait for the drink to cool down before drinking from a metal straw.
So no, it is not advisable to use them with hot drinks because of the possibility of hot water transferring through the walls and onto someone’s hands or mouth.
There are many other options of stainless steel straws, that have a silicon grip, and that are safer to use with hot liquids.
How to clean stainless steel straws?
Since the walls of these straws are thin, it’s important to clean them regularly. The best way to clean stainless steel is by using a dishwasher or boiling water with soap. This will also help prevent any germs from growing on your straw and make sure that you’re getting all the good bacteria off as well.
In most of the straws, in the package, you will get a cleaning brush that you can use to clean the inside of the straw.
Stainless steel is much more durable than plastic, it doesn’t break down or melt as quickly and resists bacteria growth on its surface which prevents toxic leaching into your drink.
Can stainless steel straws go in the dishwasher?
As mentioned above, one of the most effective methods to clean stainless steel straws is by using a dishwasher.
Stainless steel’s durability and resistance to toxic leaching mean that it does not need as much cleaning, so rinsing off after each use should be sufficient for most people.
But from time to time you may want to clean your straws with some soap and water, especially if you are sharing it.
Will stainless steel straws rust?
Stainless steel is a type of metal that can resist corrosion. That means it’s very unlikely for the straw to rust as long as you clean and dry them after use.
The good news is, even if they do get dirty or rusty, there are ways to maintain their luster by using soap or toothpaste to scrub off any dirt before.
Unlike plastic straws, these straws are dishwasher-safe.
I would recommend washing them by hand with hot soapy water before drying thoroughly to prevent the risk of any food residue or germs from building up and causing a bad smell.
Be sure not to leave your straws in the sun, as this will cause them to develop an unpleasant taste due to oxidation.
Less cost for the long term
Stainless steel straws are cheaper than plastic ones in the long term. They last for years, while regular straws have to be replaced every single use.
Where you can buy stainless steel straws?
You can find stainless steel straws all over the internet, on Amazon, Alibaba, or on any local online store.
I personally use Hiware 12-Pack Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws from Amazon.
I recommend purchasing from a company that recycles old materials into new products so you are not only taking care of your health but also being environmentally conscious at the same time.
It’s important to note that these straws are more expensive than plastic because of the production process, and the materials.
Are there any other options than stainless steel straws?
There are a few other options that you can use in place of straws to reduce your plastic consumption, but they are not as popular. You can purchase reusable silicone or stainless steel cups and then carry them with you so you always have access to something to drink from, this way there is no need for disposable drinking items like straws.
There are also paper straws being made. These straws are not as sturdy or durable but they do biodegrade and can be composted, unlike plastic straws which will last forever in landfills and never fully break down.
Are restaurants using stainless steel straws?
Restaurants are not using stainless steel straws yet, but they are starting to switch over. The problem with stainless steel straws is that there isn’t a supply of them for restaurants and other public places to use.
In addition to that, the cleaning process of these straws is a bit more intense than using plastic straws.
When the movement “ban plastic straws” started, there was a lot of backlash from restaurants because customers were upset that they would not have straws to use while drinking. Restaurants had to find an alternative, and many started using paper straws instead.
Stainless steel straws are a great alternative to plastic straws and can help you reduce your carbon footprint. With the amount of plastic waste in our oceans, it’s important that we start using reusable items instead of disposable ones.
The best thing about stainless steel straws is they’re durable so you won’t have to worry about them breaking or getting lost as often as other materials like paper straws. If this article has been helpful for you, please share it with friends and family who may also be interested in learning more about why stainless steel straws are better for the environment!
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