Though convenient and useful, plastic straws have been proven to be bad for the environment. If you’re looking for ways to be more eco-conscious in your daily life, consider forgoing this hazard for some of these practical plastic straw alternatives. 

What’s the issue with plastic straws?  

Americans dispose of hundreds of millions of plastic straws a day. This clear excess of plastic, even when added to recycling, often ends up in the ocean. That’s because straws are too lightweight to be processed through recycling machines.  

Reusable straws 

This option has a major convenience factor to it because you can take it with you on the go. It’s good for carrying every day or when you know you might be going out to a restaurant. You can find many stainless steel, titanium, silicone, or hard plastic options on the market, many of which are dishwasher safe or come with a cleaning brush.  

Single-use biodegradable straws 

Perfect for parties, single-use or reusable biodegradable straws can be purchased in bulk. They are made of a variety of different materials such as bamboo, seaweed, or paper. Good places to look for these are in your local grocery store, but if you can also find them online from various retailers.  

Unconventional materials 

Looking for a straw made of an unconventional material? Check out ones made of pasta, or try out a mold that allows you to make some out of ice. 

Any of these options are great substitutes for conventional plastic straws. In addition to reusable straws, you can also opt to skip using straws altogether. The sea turtles (and the entire ecosystem) thank you for your decision to live more sustainably.