Carrying around reusables, a water bottle, utensils, a straw, is one of the simplest ways to cut down on daily waste. But picking the right reusable straw isn't as obvious as it sounds.
Search for "reusable straw" and the first results tend to be stainless steel. It's a common starting point, but steel straws turn out to be one of the worst reusable options for everyday use. They're basically unusable with hot drinks, hard enough to worry about hurting teeth or punching a hole in a bag, and they don't bend in any way, shape or form.
The most important criticism is that they're non-renewable. Lose one, or find it unusable for one reason or another, and there's no growing more metal out of the earth to replace it.
Thankfully, the options for reusable straws have gotten far more varied: silicone, glass, paper, hay, grass, and bamboo. Weighing usability, eco-friendliness, quality and cost, bamboo stands out as the best overall balance.
Why Bamboo Straws Are Sustainable
In terms of the environment, bamboo is leagues beyond the competition. Bamboo is a renewable resource, with new bamboo becoming harvestable in under five years. Raw bamboo takes only a few weeks to biodegrade in an industrial compost heap, and only a few years in a landfill. It makes sense that so many eco-friendly companies are turning to bamboo.
Practical Advantages of Bamboo Straws
Separate from the environmental benefits, bamboo straws tend to be all around more usable than the competition, particularly compared to metal and glass.
Not Too Hard, Not Too Soft
Bamboo straws have the perfect amount of hardness. They're a bit softer than metal, so there's less worry about accidentally chipping a tooth. On the other hand, they don't wilt or break the way paper straws do.
Speaking of breaking, that's one issue with glass straws: a bunch of glass shards in your mouth is the last problem anyone wants while sipping and relaxing.
Ideal Temperature
Bamboo straws do not transfer heat nearly as much as metal or glass, so they can actually be used with hot beverages, like coffee or tea.
The Right Price
Bamboo straws are much cheaper than most of the competition, which softens the blow of losing one. Anyone who knows they're going to lose the occasional straw will save money with bamboo.
Don't Get Bamboozled: Here Are the Cons
There are a few cons worth considering before giving bamboo straws a try:
Not the Most Dishwasher-Friendly
Most bamboo straws need to be hand-washed. Unlike metal and silicone straws, running bamboo through the dishwasher repeatedly won't hold up over time.
Inflexible
Bamboo, like metal and glass, is not bendable. Silicone is the better option for anyone who needs a flexible straw.
Limited Lifespan
Unlike steel and glass straws, bamboo straws wear out over time. Check periodically for splinters or errant fibers, and if any turn up, it's time to compost that straw.
For hosting a party or large get-together, newer options like grass and hay straws are a better bulk pick, since they're cheaper and meant to be disposed of.
Is Bamboo the Best Choice for You, Too?
Keeping all this in mind, bamboo straws remain one of the best all-around choices for everyday use, striking the best balance of sustainability, affordability and versatility.
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