Reusable straws : Everything you must know
The invention of straws dates back over 4,500 years ago. Several tubes have been found in tombs in Mesopotamia. A seal showing two people drinking their beer from a jug together, confirming how they were used. It is said that it was to avoid drinking the solid remains from the fermentation of alcoholic beverages of that time.
Metal straws have been used for hundreds of years in Latin America for the well know local Maté drink. Although these two examples illustrate an advanced use of these utensils, most of the straws used until 1888 were made of straw.
An American inventor and businessman found that these vegetal straws became soft too quickly and spoiled drink taste. After several trials, Marvin Stone filed a patent for a paper straw covered in paraffin wax. The 21st century straw was born.
The advent of plastic in the 1950s and the birth of fast food will led to mass production and use of these disposable straws. Now banned in many countries, we are turning away from single use straws to environmentally friendly, reusable, sustainable and ecological straws.
What's a reusable straw ?
A reusable straw is a straw that will not be thrown away in the trash after just one use. It comes in many ways, the best known of which are: bamboo straws, stainless steel straws and silicone straws. The least known to date, glass straws.
Durable straws are reusable after a quick wash in the dishwasher or by hand, with a fine straw brush designed specifically for straws. Made of responsible, natural materials and not derived from petroleum, these straws will serve you for a long time. No more last minute shopping for parties or birthdays.
Why choose a reusable straw ?
These drinking stems, often associated with festive or occasional events, are essential. We use straws for many occasions, like birthday parties, cocktail parties or picnics. For all these events and many more, instead of using a plastic straw, equip yourself with reusable straws so that you no longer feed beaches, oceans and nature with unnecessary waste.
In France, we throw around 9 million straws a day and the whole world throws over a billion of them daily. This is an ubiquitous situation which has led many countries to ban the use of single-use straws. The countries most directly concerned are seaside destinations or islands, whose beaches and marine fauna are massively attacked.
Made from natural products, a reusable straw is also much more pleasant and healthier on our lips. Your drinks will no longer have plastic microparticles and your lips will reconnect with natural products.
Which reusable straw to choose?
There are many types of reusable straws and new types are being created constantly. In order to define the best type of straw to choose, it is necessary to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of each. Although many people wonder about the best straw between bamboo and steel, it is necessary to take into account the context for an informed choice. Given the affordable prices of this item, it is often worth choosing several types and using them depending on the occasion.
The bamboo straw, safe naturalness
A bamboo straw is probably the one that most reminds us of cocktails and the beach. Made of a renewable, biodegradable material, without chemical extraction and in almost infinite quantity, this straw also has the advantage of being non-conductive. Whether your drink is hot or cold, your bamboo straw will keep the same temperature and you won't burn your lips with it. The bamboo stem does not alter the taste of the drink, even after several hours in a glass. Bamboo is very pleasant to the touch and unmistakably close to natural. This straw is very popular with children on outings and very much among adults in Mojito type cocktails. A pleasant and biodegradable straw, perfect for evening and outings.
The metal straw, soft smoothness
The metal straw is very light and is probably the most durable straw. The metal straw is ecological, elegant and does not alter the taste of drinks. Its rigidity allows it to serve as a spatula and elegantly dresses a long glass. It is perfectly smooth and several sizes are available. The standard diameter size is 6mm and is suitable for smooth drinks. If you want to drink thicker refreshments, such as smoothies, you will need to take a slightly larger opening. Although the standard model of a stainless steel straw is gray, you will also find stainless steel straws in pink and black. This will allow you to differentiate the drinks. The stainless steel straw is made of a high grade metal, which allows it to keep its shape and solidity over several decades. It does not react on contact with a sugary, alcoholic or acidic drink. On the other hand, metal is a good conductor of heat. This implies that we strongly advise against it for hot drinks because you may burn yourself on contact. In short, a metal straw set is a nice gift to bring to a rack, because it will always be used.
Additionnally, if ever it is necessary, two metal straws can be used as chopsticks for sushi night.
A silicone straw, a child's joy
The relatively unknown silicone straw is the one that appeals to children the most. Flexible, colorful, comfortable in the hand, chewable and dishwasher safe, it has all the advantages of a suitable straw for the youngest. Curved in shape, the silicone straw has a wider opening because the silicone offers greater resistance to drinking. In fact, you will have to absorb a tiny bit harder which will limit the speed at which they will drink, a plus point. The different colors will allow everyone to have their own and to recognize their glass (unless everyone already has their own cup or reusable bottle, of course). Unbreakable, undeformable, pleasant on lips, the silicone straw is the ideal straw for little cherubs and will be very successful at birthday parties or with friends at the park!
The glass straw, ultimate elegance
A glass straw is the straw of ultimate elegance. Fragile and delicate, it represents the work of finesse and refinement. Often decorated with a gold leaf, precious metals or pearls, a glass straw has the advantage of adorning any drink with distinction by drawing it to the top. Beyond its elegance, a glass straw allows it to be used as a spatula in order to mix a refreshment.
This straw is really intended for adults, because of its fragility. However it keeps a playful aspect, because being translucent, it allows you to see the drink go up and down. This will always animate the youngest if you do it very gently in front of them.
If you want straws for an evening or a brunch among adults, your glass straws will undoubtedly score points.
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