Okay, we're saying it.
The best alternative against a single-use plastic straw is to not use any straw at all.
But! If you happen to have one of our straws or plan on buying, here are the fast facts that you should be aware of:
The best alternative against a single-use plastic straw is to not use any straw at all.
But! If you happen to have one of our straws or plan on buying, here are the fast facts that you should be aware of:
- Metal straws are made out of... well, steel, which is a non-renewable resource that is extracted from the Earth. Mining creates carbon emissions, erosion, deforestation. This in turn also impacts communities and ecosystems in mining areas.
- The processing entails using a lot of water and energy, which, again has its share of negative impact.
- Once made into straws, they're normally packed in individual single-use plastic, shipped via plane in a box, and arrives to the local distributor. To create lesser waste, we have them shipped via sea. The straws arrive at our headquarters in a sealed carton box in bulk, as opposed to having it in individual plastic packaging. This is actually the reason why some straws have scratches.
- Goods bought online are typically shipped through couriers that use single-use pouches and receptacles. We’ve done our part here by sending your goods in reusable packaging, then returned to us after you, our customer, receive it.
Essentially, with this amount of impact, you’d need to use your straw at least 1000 times before it offsets the production footprint of a plastic straw.
The great thing about these metal straws is the material itself. Steel, one of the most recycled materials in the world, is one of the few things that when recycled, does not lose any integrity, unlike plastic. It’s also the most sanitary, given its washability, and it’s the most durable of them all. We ensure that the straws you get are high grade 18/8 stainless steel, certified for quality and health.
Now, it does sound a bit confusing. Does it mean should you just stay with the normal plastic straw? Of course not. Plastic is still a major contributor to marine litter. Let’s keep in mind, however, that we go beyond the metal straws and look at the other aspects that we could do our part in mitigating our waste. We are not strictly anti-plastic, and we strive to be a company that practices circularity.
And this will always begin the moment we purchase an item. As Marie Kondo would ask, “Does this spark joy?” If it does, then make sure to buy things that you can use over and over and over again.
Reusables are a revolution in itself. We're glad to have you SIP with us. 😉