Straws are often assumed as being items of necessity, one it seems unimaginable to throw away entirely when so many enjoy using them. Even still, their traditional material has increasingly become known as a primary source of harm to the environment. Plastic straws are heartbreakingly found in the stomachs of sea animals and are responsible for clogging precious marine ecosystems.
The good news? Paper straws can provide an eco-friendly alternative to their plastic counterparts. The debate of paper straws vs plastic straws has been raised time and time again among environmental enthusiasts. Which materials can save the earth, and do paper straws really make a difference? Let’s discuss whether you should switch from using plastic straws to paper straws.
Why Are Plastic Straws Bad For The Environment?
Plastic straws are one of the world's most commonly used and thrown-away items. Devastatingly, their convenience comes with a heavy price to our planet.
On average, 500 million plastic straws are discarded daily in the US alone! Not only do plastic straws take hundreds of years to decompose, but their production and disposal continue to have damaging effects on our environment.
The manufacturing of plastic straws requires non-renewable resources such as oil, natural gas, and harmful chemicals that dramatically pollute water sources and as a dire consequence, therefore increase their carbon footprint.
As if that weren’t enough to change your mind, saddening statistics show the disposal or littering of these single-use straws results in them being washed away into oceans where marine life may consume or become entangled in them.
They can even break down into smaller pieces that accumulate over time and harm wildlife further by breaking and entering into their food chain. A chink in our armor is discovered as we come to the realization that the harmful chemicals intoxicating the fish you intend to eat will then be transferred to you.
Source: Internet
>> Read More:
- What Is Climate Change: Causes, Impact on Humans and Animals
- What is Net Zero: Importance, Roles of Individuals and Organizations
Why Are Paper Straws Better Than Plastic Straws?
Paper straws vs. plastic straws is a hot topic of discussion and controversy that has continued for some time now. But why do most people think paper straws are superior to the popular and widely used plastic ones? The answer lies in the two materials' sustainability levels and how they affect our environment.
First of all, paper straws are signific more biodegradable than their plastic counterparts. They break down easily and quickly, reducing their impact on the environment significantly. While plastic is made from non-renewable resources and can decompose for up to 500 years, paper straws can break down in less than three months when exposed to sunlight or water.
The second advantage of using paper over plastic is its safety level for animals and marine life. The danger of plastic stems from its ability to be ingested by animals, once it has broken into tiny pieces or has accumulated in the large masses we now find in our oceans called ‘plastic islands’. This is not a conceivable issue when discussing paper straws.
Another benefit of using paper over plastic is its health factor and side effects. Studies have deduced that chemicals from plastic straws can leach into drinks and be ingested by humans - something you don’t have to even consider with a paper version.
Do Paper Straws Really Make A Difference?
As the world moves steadily towards more sustainable practices and eco-friendly options, paper straws have become increasingly popular as a replacement for plastic straws. Paper straws are made of biodegradable material, aiding to reduce plastic pollution in the environment. While they do serve as an alternative to single-use plastic products, these paper products do come with some disadvantages.
Paper straws can quickly become soggy and difficult to use, making them unsuitable for many long-lasting beverages, such as smoothies or milkshakes. Furthermore, paper straws are not durable, and users may have to go through them multiple times a day if using them for extended periods of time!
Paper straw is the most common green alternative to plastic straws, but in fact is not the greenest - its contradiction is that it has some negative impacts on the environment! The increasing prevalence of paper straws has been the catalyst to surmounting and concerning environmental consequences: the destruction of forests. Paper straws are created through a process that requires destroying trees for their material, meaning fewer trees are available to absorb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses, contributing to global warming.
The production process for paper straws is highly resource and energy-intensive and damaging to the environment. The logging industry continues to harvest more trees, leading to soil erosion, loss of animal habitats, air pollution from trucks transporting wood pulp, and toxins released from machinery used in production facilities. This increases carbon emissions overall as they enter our atmosphere due to this high energy consumption.
As climate change worsens and resources become scarcer, it’s important to consider the full environmental consequences of our actions – even something as seemingly inconsequential as choosing paper over plastic straws.
Source: Internet
>> Read More:
- What Are Paper Straws? Pros, Cons - Are Paper Straws Environmentally Friendly?
- What Are Plastic Straws? Pros, Cons - Hazards, Bans, Recycling
- Compostable Straws: Plant-Based Straws Versus Paper Straws
- What Are Biodegradable Straws Made Of? | EQUO
- Not-Paper Straws: 7 Best Biodegradable Straws For Our Environment
- Compostable Vs. Reusable Straws: Which One Is The Best Eco-Friendly Alternative
- 5 Best Compostable Straws On The Market
- Alternatives To Plastic Straws: A Definitive Guide
What Are The Best Alternatives To Plastic Straws and Paper Straws?
When it comes to sustainability and cutting out our dependence on plastic, the first thought and focus often fall on plastic straws - leading many people to search for an alternative to this common household item. Although paper straws are a popular choice, they are not always ideal and have some negative environmental impacts. If paper straws are not the best eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws, which straws are better? We can safely assert - you can't go wrong with biodegradable straws made from 100% natural ingredients! Consider grass straws, rice straws, coconut straws, sugarcane straws, and coffee straws for your next sustainable purchase.
Grass Straws
Grass straws are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic and paper straws. Made from carefully handpicked sedge grass, these natural straws effortlessly replace your single-use plastic item. Not only are they completely biodegradable, but they’re also a renewable source that is becoming increasingly popular and readily available amongst eco-conscious consumers.
Grass straws are sturdier than paper straws and won’t get soggy like their counterparts. Plus, these plant-based compostable straws provide an unbeatable natural experience while drinking, feeling both like you are returning back to the Earth and the desire to protect it. They can also be used multiple times a day, making them ideal for businesses looking to reduce their plastic waste footprint.
Rice Straws
Rice straws are made using rice and tapioca starch. They come in various colors due to the food dye used in their production process. Unlike regular paper straws, these organic straws have been designed with resilience in mind, meaning that you don't have to worry about them becoming soft after just a few minutes of use. Not only that, but the fact that they are made from natural ingredients means that they will biodegrade naturally over time. You don't have to worry about adding more non-biodegradable materials like plastic straws to landfills or oceans!
What sets EQUO rice straws unique from other environmentally friendly straws is they're actually edible! After drinking, you can eat rice straws as they are and treat them like crunchy snacks. Or you can boil them to make soft, delicious rice-based meals.
Coconut Straws
When it comes to eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and paper straws, you can't go wrong with EQUO coconut straws. These plasticless straws are made from fermented coconut water, giving them a tropical feel while still being 100% biodegradable. Not only that, but they're also incredibly sturdy and won't get soggy like paper straws.
The best part of using EQUO coconut straws is that you do not have to worry about contributing to the world's ever-growing pile of waste. Made from organic materials, these compostable straws will break down naturally in just a few months, leaving no trace behind! Not only do they provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws, but they also give off a tropical feel with their refreshing coconut scent. They can be used in any type of drink, hot or cold, and their sturdy design ensures that your straw will last all night long!
Sugarcane Straws
Another standout option to consider is the EQUO sugarcane straws. These biodegradable compostable straws offer a rustic natural look, with a mild sweet scent of brown sugar omitting the sugar cane fibers used in production. They may not be edible, but they are biodegradable and compostable - making them a more responsible and thoughtful choice than plastic straws! You never have to imagine the damage they may have caused if they one day end up in our oceans, as they won’t be dangerously consumed by marine life. Sugarcane straws offer a perfect solution for anyone looking for an environmentally friendly alternative without sacrificing quality or taste!
Plus, biodegradable sugarcane straws can be found in various sizes, making them suitable for many types of drinks, even including specialized bubble tea! What’s more, they last longer than paper. These compostable drinking straws can last for hours in hot beverages before becoming soft, yet still remain rigid enough that they won't collapse under pressure when used as a stirrer.
Coffee Straws
The final eco-friendly alternatives we can strongly recommend are… coffee straws! These innovative coffee straws are made from recycled coffee grounds, giving them a distinctive dark brown color. Not only that, but their coffee aroma makes them extra enticing and can enhance your drinking experience if you are coffee-obsessed! Plus, these sustainable straws are biodegradable and compostable, so they thankfully won't contribute to environmental waste.
Unlike paper straws, EQUO coffee straws offer superior durability and flexibility, comparable to plastic straws. They're guaranteed to last the duration of your drink without breaking apart or wilting easily after a few hours. Just take care to remember that the coffee straw is not edible; it's only meant for sipping your favorite drinks!
So if you’re looking for an ethical alternative to plastic or paper straws that won't let you down, why not give EQUO coffee straws a try?
The debate of paper straws vs plastic straws has been a controversial and flaming hot topic for years, and paper straws have proved to be a better alternative to plastic. This is because they have the significant advantage of being biodegradable. However, they can get soggy easily, so consider alternative options such as grass, rice, coconut, sugarcane, or coffee straws if this is a deal-breaker. With these sustainable straw solutions, you can help protect our environment and reduce single-use plastic waste. Let's all take action now for a better and brighter future!
EQUO is one of the determined brands leading the way in this revolution, continuing to create eco-friendly and plastic-free single-use products. You can buy EQUO biodegradable straws in bulk or in small packages on the website; they are readily available to all who make the choice! Now that you know all about EQUO straws, visit us online today to find out for yourself and join our sustainable family!
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