Straws: All the Alternatives to Plastic

ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTIC STRAWS

One thing is now certain: the plastic straws They should be eliminated. They are useless, expensive and produce enormous pollution, especially at sea and on beachesBut we must also respect those who enjoy drinking through a straw, and therefore propose solutions that are compatible with the environment and the fight against waste.

The straw of plastic bags has had its day. The first, made of paper covered with paraffin, was invented by Marvin C. Stone in 1880 and was further improved in 1937 by Joseph FriedmanFriedman's daughter had great difficulty drinking from a long straw, so Joseph thought it a good idea to patent one. plastic bags, more flexible and foldable, so that it can be shortened very easily.

But the straw is certainly not a modern invention. The first models date back to the Sumerian civilization, in 3.000 BC, complete with tubes studded with precious stones: they were used to drink a particular fermented beverage, very similar to beer. So, to eliminate the plastic straw it is a matter of making a healthy return to the past, recovering all types of straws that can be considered alternatives to plasticMixing tradition and innovation.

ALSO READ: No more straws. A campaign to eliminate them from bars and public spaces has begun in Terni.

ECO-FRIENDLY STRAWS

The colored paper straw. 100 percent biodegradable, this straw pairs well with sophisticated, original, and elaborate cocktails and drinks, making a difference in service and not going unnoticed. Be careful, though, as it's made of letter It can wear down at the bottom if it remains in contact with the liquid of the drink for too long.

The bamboo straw. Completely biodegradable, it is made of 100 percent natural and organic materials, representing an excellent organic and natural alternative to plastic straws. Durable and easy to clean, this straw is not subject to mold or degradation.

The flavored straw. Also featured in Italy During the latest Wired Next Festival in Milan, this straw also represents an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional straw. You can chew and eat it without any problems. Furthermore, the company that produces it offers two different versions: one transparent, with a neutral flavor, and another in various colors, with the addition of sweet flavors, such as strawberry or caramel.

TO KNOW MORE: Let's eliminate plastic straws for drinks. Just like many bars around the world have done (photo)

The steel straw. Eco-friendly, reusable and durable, this straw in stainless steel It is resistant to frequent washing, even aggressive ones, and is easily sanitized. Made of resistant steel It's also non-toxic, lead-free, and completely free of metallic aftertaste. Once you're done using it, simply wash it, dry it, and keep it handy for the next occasion.

The glass straw. Easily washable in dishwasher, and therefore reusable, is an excellent alternative to the traditional disposable plastic straw. However, it is a product that requires care. The linear design and transparent color highlight the color of the drink, making it particularly suitable for any type of bottle or glass. Finally, its forward tilt, in addition to making it easier to sip the drink, provides stability in the container in which it is placed.

The straw with algae. Made from seaweed and completely biodegradable, It was patented by two American designers, Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann Tucker. The straws come in a variety of colors and flavors: vanilla, mint, strawberry, and caramel. All excellent alternatives to the horrible plastic that not only doesn't create the flavors but also ends up spoiling them.

The straw with the pasta. Organic and therefore eco-sustainable, this straw is made with zite, which have the typical shape of the straw, only perfectly biodegradable and non-polluting for thetechnology, representing another valid alternative to plastic. The idea, aligned with the philosophy of not wasting, is to Andrea Marangio, a very experienced barman for 23 years, who participated in this project Don't Waste Award for the 2018 edition.

PARMA STRAWS

It takes about 20 minutes to use a straw, but it takes about 500 years to break down into the environment.
Becoming aware of the problem of excessive plastic use and the EU directive that abolished plastic straws, Marco Dessì, owner of a very well-known club in the Parma nightlife, The Secret of the Nobles, he decided to use, for his cocktails, straws, more expensive but totally recyclable.

According to social media, customers seem enthusiastic about this decision, except for a few who turn up their noses because straws gradually dissolve and are not very durable, but they simply need to give up the straw.
However, it is not Marco's first initiative to go in the direction of a eco-friendly and responsible consumption: in his restaurant on Via al Collegio dei Nobili, he tries to use sustainable packaging and limit plastic consumption as much as possible.

As a true Sardinian, he knows that the primary source of marine pollution is the vast quantities of plastic and microplastics, so he tries, in his own small way, to reverse the trend. Convinced that every small action can make a difference.

STRAWS WITH VIETNAM GRASS STEMS

For this reason, many people decide to dedicate enthusiasm and dedication to the fight against plastic waste. And there are many projects around the world to reduce plastic pollution, which reaches dramatic figures: every year, plastic ends up in the seas. as many as 12,7 million tons of plastic, responsible for 85 percent of marine litter, the pollution of marine waters.

A virtuous example comes from far away Vietnam, where a young Vietnamese inventor, Tran Minh Tien, has devised some natural straws, made of grass.

To create them he chose a type of grass that is very common in the flora of the river delta. Mekong, , the “Lepironia articulata”He collects the empty stems, washes them, cuts them to 20 cm, cleans them thoroughly, and packages them in bundles of 100 wrapped in banana leaves. This makes them ready for shipping.

These "fresh" straws can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but a "cooked" version can be used for up to six months. The process involves two additional steps: the straws are dried in the sun for a couple of days and then baked in the oven. Originally designed for single use, they can be washed, dried, and reused until they deteriorate.

And when their life cycle is over, just throw them in the organic waste bag: they will decompose like any other food waste.

MARE VIVO'S CAMPAIGN TO ELIMINATE STRAWS

Did you know that plastic straws go into the nostrils of turtles and in the esophagus of marine animals? The campaign launched by Marevivo – a volunteer organization that fights tirelessly to protect the sea and its resources – wants to raise awareness among citizens to change their habits and encourage them to do without plastic straws, advising them to opt for those biodegradable. Furthermore, all interested citizens will be able to participate in the cleaning days of the beaches and at the mouths of the rivers, which will be organized by Marevivo.

WHY STRAWS ARE NOT RECYCLABLE

HOW TO ELIMINATE PLASTIC:

• Biodegradable tableware: Here's how palm leaves replace plastic (video)
• Plastic at home: a machine that allows you to recycle it. A Dutch designer's invention (video)
• Rhea Singhal, a thirty-year-old Indian woman who makes plastic-free tableware from agricultural waste