Plastic straws have rapidly become a symbol of the world’s unnecessary reliance on plastic. These plastic straws are not biodegradable and can cause damage and pollution to the environment for a lifetime.

Millions of drinking straws are used every single day around the world. Replacing them with reusable straws can dramatically reduce the amount of excessive plastic in the environment.

Why We Need To Stop Right Now

Over 1 million marine animals (including fish, turtles, mammals, sharks, and birds) are killed each year due to plastic debris. Not to forget, the manufacturing of plastic straws involves the discharge of toxic fumes and other harmful chemicals. These poisonous by-products eventually find their way into the earth’s environment through water, land, and air.

Using a reusable straw and forgoing a plastic straw will not only help to save the environment but leverage many other benefits that can make your life easier and simpler.

At RiceStraws, we offer simple solutions to reduce disposable plastics through reusable straws. Our reusable RiceStraws are entirely biodegradable because they contain 100% natural materials.
We gather high-quality materials reliably from sustainable sources for our reusable RiceStraws. You can easily use the straws over and over again.

With reusable straws coming in different biodegradable materials, there is a straw out there for everyone! Here is a quick mini-guide to finding the perfect reusable straw for you.

Paper Straws

More and more people, as well as companies, are switching to biodegradable paper straws because they are durable and affordable. Manufacturers are now buying paper straws in bulk for as little as 2 cents each.

As the name suggests, biodegradable paper straws decompose but are compostable as well. Unlike plastic straws, paper straws will decompose back into the earth within 2-6 weeks. If they do end up in the ocean, they will start to break down within just three days.

Moreover, paper straws are wildlife-friendly. According to statistics, they will break down in 6 months, meaning they are safer for marine life.
Metal Straws

Metal is durable, easy to clean, much more manageable, and can be recycled infinitely.

One of the possible drawbacks for metal straw is that it absorbs and retains both the hot and cold temperatures. If you are drinking a slushie or a frosted beverage, the fluid may freeze inside the straw, or the metal straw may become too cold to sip from, making it difficult to use.

Some people also complain of an aftertaste from the metal. Moreover, a metal straw is not flexible and could jab you in the mouth or gum. Due to this, some straws come with a silicone tip.

Bamboo Straws

The use of bamboo straw is another option for a biodegradable straw. Bamboo straws come in different lengths and diameters. They are compostable and are usable for both hot and cold drinks.

Bamboo straws are typically reusable and can contribute to reducing the cost of purchasing straws. Although, keep in mind that bamboo straws could get mouldy if you do not wash and dry them properly.

Rice Straws

You have to lug around metal straws with you everywhere, paper straws can get soggy and taste funny, but rice straws have none of these difficulties.

Even the tiniest change of habit can make a massive impact if followed by a few billion. Switch over to green and budget-friendly rice straws to make things easier and better for yourself and the planet.

Rice straws are entirely biodegradable – meaning that they decompose within 100 days, while plastic may take up to 500 years!

Rice straws can stay in cold beverages for 4-6 hours, and in warm drinks for up to 3 hours, without losing their original form and strength.

Author's Bio: 

Rice straws supply different types of Eco-friendly reusable straws and 100% biodegradable, disposable rice straws. You can carry your reusable straw in a case or store them in your cutlery drawer. Once you have used them past their shelf life, you can put them in your compost bin.