When you use a drinking straw, you’re likely not thinking about the particulars. After all, they’re just a quick way to get some liquid into your mouth. The truth is, that most companies that make and sell drinking straws don’t think about their environmental impact either. Most people end up using them so frequently and in such large volumes that it ends up being a non-issue. However, there are some negative aspects of drinking straws that many people are unaware of. If you use sugar cane drinking straws frequently or have children at home who do, then you should know about these details before making any purchases. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of drinking straws and whether or not you should stop using them in your home.
What are sugar cane drinking straws?
Sugar cane straws are made from sugar cane. This is one of the most sustainable sources of sugar. In fact, it’s the only source of sugar that doesn’t use oil to produce sugar. This means that sugar cane is considered a “carbon-negative” crop. Companies that make sugar cane straws are constantly looking for new ways to improve their products. They’ve been experimenting with bioplastic since 2012 and have developed a straw that’s 100% bioplastic. They’ve also been experimenting with paper straws, which are less harmful to the environment than metal straws. However, sugar cane drinking straws are the most common type of drinking straws in the United States.
What are the pros of sugar cane drinking straws?
– Sugar cane straws are made from renewable sources – they don’t contain chemicals or fossil fuels. – They’re compostable – meaning they’ll break down in an compost bin if you compost them. – They’re made from plant-based materials, which are healthier for the environment. – They don’t contain traces of chemicals and plastics. – They’re more sanitary than metal straws, as they don’t pick up germs or bacteria from metal. – You can drink from any type of container with a sugar cane straw. – They’re affordable.
What are the cons of sugar cane drinking straws?
– Sugar cane straws are not recyclable, making them hard to recycle. – They don’t last as long as metal or paper straws. – They’re not as easy to clean as paper or metal straws. – They’re not as large as paper or metal straws. This means that certain drinks won’t fit through a straw. – You’ll need a new straw when the string on the sugar cane straw wears out. – People with allergies to plants might have a reaction to sugar cane straws.
Conclusion
While there are many pros associated with sugar cane straws, they are not 100% compostable. If composting isn’t a part of your solid waste management system, then you’ll have a hard time getting these straws into the bin. These straws are also not as sanitary as some other straws. If you’re using these straws, you’ll need to wash them thoroughly and often, which isn’t ideal for a household with multiple people. There are also a handful of cons associated with using sugar cane straws, which makes them challenging to use in all situations. If you use sugar cane straws, you should be aware of the pros and cons associated with them so you can make informed decisions about your consumption habits.
