20+ Recycled Plastic Straw Ideas: Simple and Easy to Do

Plastic straws are one of the most common types of waste in the world, causing pollution because they are difficult to decompose. According to statistics, about 8 million tons of plastic straws are consumed each year. If there is no effective solution to treat them, they will remain in the environment for hundreds of years, causing serious damage to the ecosystem.

Through this article, EQUO wants to introduce to you simple and easy-to-implement ideas for recycling plastic straws. Thanks to this, you can turn those leftover plastic straws after parties into useful and unique items.

>> Read More:

• How To Recycle and Dispose of Plastic Straws Safely and Properly
• 7 Best Eco-Friendly Organic Straws Made From Natural Materials
• 7 Best Biodegradable Compostable Straws Made From Plants
• Compostable Vs. Reusable Straws: Which One Is The Best Eco-Friendly Alternative
• 10 Best Eco-Friendly & Reusable Straws For A Better Environment

1. Minimizing the use of plastic straws

Minimizing the use of plastic straws is a simple and effective way to protect the environment from unnecessary plastic waste. Instead of using single-use straws and throwing them away, you can reuse them responsibly. Here are some simple ideas and processes to do this:

1.1. Avoid using straws

To start, avoid using plastic straws when they are not necessary. Ask for your drinks to be served without straws, or use reusable straws instead of single-use ones. This will not only help protect the environment but also be beneficial for your skin, preventing wrinkles caused by frequent straw use.

1.2. Cut straws

If you already have plastic straws, consider cutting them into different sizes. This will help them fit a variety of drinks and different heights of glasses.

1.3. Clean straws - Reuse for next time

Make sure to clean the straws thoroughly after each use. Use warm water and soap to remove all bacteria. This will keep them clean for the next use and maintain a cleaner environment.

However, if you are too busy and cannot clean them properly, please refer to EQUO's environmentally-friendly straws at the following link:

All of EQUO's straws are made from 100% plant-based materials, which can be completely decomposed in the environment from 3 to 6 months. These straws are not only environmentally friendly, safe for consumers, but also suitable for all types of drinks.

EQUO’s eco-friendly collection includes plant-based compostable straws such as sugarcane straws, grass straws, rice straws, coffee straws, and coconut straws.

>> https://shopequo.com/collections

2. Making toys for kids from plastic straws

Making toys from plastic straws not only educates children about the importance of environmental protection but also promotes their emotional intelligence (EQ), critical thinking, creativity, and imagination. It's a great way for parents to spend more time with their kids, encouraging their overall development. Here are some ideas:

2.1. Make a Plastic Straw Maze

Using plastic straws, children can design and build their own unique maze that will put their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to the test. And as they explore the twists and turns of their maze, they can imagine themselves navigating through the vast expanse of space.

2.2. Build a Plastic Slide

Construct a unique slide from straws, allowing kids to express their creativity and enhance their building skills.

2.3. Make a Plastic Airplane

Create an airplane from plastic straws, helping kids explore the sky and fantasize about exciting journeys with the family.

2.4. Tank

For boys, creating a tank model from straws can initiate their imaginative adventure, similar to the images of familiar soldiers.

3. Making animal models from plastic straws

Children usually learn about animal imagery first. Therefore, crafting animals from plastic straws is a close and intimate environmental activity for kids. This activity not only helps develop their imagination and creativity but also teach them love and respect the natural world.

3.1. Worm

By using plastic straws to create a worm-like shape, children can learn about the diversity of insects in nature and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of these creatures in our ecosystem. Plus, this activity is a great way to spark creativity and imagination while also promoting sustainability by repurposing plastic straws.

3.2. Fish

Creating a fish model from plastic straws helps children learn about aquatic life and the importance of protecting marine environments.

3.3. Shrimp

Making a shrimp model from plastic straws is an exciting way for children to learn about underwater life and the diversity of marine creatures.

3.4. Dragon

Creating a dragon model from plastic straws is an activity requiring skill and precision but also helps kids unleash their imagination and craft mythical stories.

4. Home decor items from plastic straws

By repurposing plastic straws into unique decor pieces, you can add a personal touch to your space while also promoting sustainability by reusing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. From colorful photo frames to eye-catching chandeliers, the possibilities are endless.

4.1. Pen holder

Pen holders can be designed in various colors and unique shapes, refreshing your workspace or study area.

4.2. Photo frame

A photo frame made from plastic straws is an effective way to recycle straws. It helps you capture memorable moments while also contributing to environmental protection.

4.3. Christmas tree

During the holiday season, a Christmas tree is an indispensable part of home decor. Using plastic straws to make a Christmas tree is an exciting idea. You can create a unique and elegant tree by painting, decorating, and adding lights.

4.4. Flower vase

Creating flower vases from plastic straws can make your living space vibrant and unique. A vase is an essential part of interior decor, and using plastic straws to make them helps reduce plastic waste.

4.5. Chandelier

Using plastic straws to make a unique and creative chandelier is a way to refresh your decor. The chandelier can be designed in various styles and sizes, creating unique lighting and ambiance in the home.

5. Fashion accessories from plastic straws

Recycled fashion with plastic straws is a creative way to transform ordinary materials into unique fashion items while protecting the environment.

5.1. Slippers

Fashion recycling by using plastic straws to make unique slippers can be designed in different colors and shapes, creating a distinct fashion style.

5.2. Bracelet

Using plastic straws to make bracelets is a creative way to create fashion jewelry. Bracelets can be combined with other materials to create unique designs.

5.3. Necklace

Repurposing plastic straws to make necklaces allows you to showcase your creativity in fashion jewelry. They can be decorated and combined with various types of gemstones to create unique necklaces.

5.4. Recycled fashion - New style with plastic straws

Although recycling plastic straws into clothing is not yet common, the involvement of renowned designers sends a strong message that can easily spread to everyone, encouraging collective environmental protection.

Finally, the above recycling ideas for plastic straws are not only creative activities that help minimize plastic waste but also convey a message of love and respect for the environment.

If you find an idea that suits you, go ahead and implement it. If there's an idea that seems challenging, feel free to leave a comment below so that EQUO can meet you in a more detailed guide. The goal is for us all to participate in the recycling revolution, be creative, and build a sustainable future for the Earth.