8 Reasons You Should Use Bamboo Drinking Straws

11 October 2019 lif

Making the switch from a plastic to a bamboo drinking straw is super simple and full of benefits. It’s one of the easiest steps we can take towards being a more eco-conscious person.

  1. Reusable and Long Lasting
    One of the top benefits of using bamboo drinking straws is that you can reuse them over and over. When properly cleaned and cared for, a bamboo drinking straw can last several years.
  2. Cost-Effective
    The amount you will spend on a pack of bamboo drinking straws will be a fraction of what you would spend on a lifetime of using plastic straws. Most bamboo drinking straws come in packs of 10-20 pieces in various sizes and will cost approximately $7-20 depending on the brand.
  3. Healthy and Chemical-Free
    Plastic straws are made from the petroleum-derived chemical, polypropylene. With hot beverages, the plastic can become heated and these toxic chemicals can leak out of your straw and contaminate your drink.
    Bamboo fibers have natural antimicrobial properties meaning they are less likely to harbor bacteria over time and be more resistant to spoiling or rotting over time. Bamboo is also grown chemical-free, not requiring the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
  4. Durable
    Many bamboo drinking straws come finished and treated with a polish. This gives the straws no sharp edges or lower risks of breakage. They are child-friendly with smooth edges that won’t cause any irritation when using. Bamboo drinking straws can be used for both hot or cold beverages.
  5. Easy Cleanup
    Many different brands of bamboo drinking straws may come with a handy brush that helps for a thorough cleaning. This consists of a long metal rod with nylon brushes attached at the end. A simple hand washing with lukewarm soapy water also will do the trick. Additionally, you can shake the straws in a jar full of warm soapy water for cleaning many at once.
  6. Portable On-the-Go
    Super-lightweight (less than 1oz), bamboo drinking straws don’t take up much space. You can simply toss your straw in your bag and take it with you on-the-go.
  7. An Eco-Friendly and Renewable Resource
    Bamboo is a super plant! Famously known as one of the world’s most renewable materials, it is the fastest-growing plant in the world being able to grow up to three feet a day. Bamboo requires no pesticides, and little water- especially compared to other crops such as cotton.
    When bamboo is harvested, the plant easily regenerates itself. Bamboo does its job for the environment by offering 35% more oxygen than trees and actually helps absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
  8. Biodegradable
    Bamboo is a biodegradable material, which comes from the earth and goes back to the earth, decomposing within 4-6 months. On the contrary, plastic drinking straws will take up to 200 years to fully decompose!

References [1]  /  Image credit [1]