Paper Straws Are Not More Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Than Plastic; Here's Why
Plastics have become a huge contributor to environmental pollution. Many aim to reduce plastic waste by promoting paper straws, but the alternative is reportedly not a better choice.
Paper Straws Are Not Better Than Plastic Straws
Many fast-food restaurants and beverage corporations have used paper straws to reduce plastic waste. However, experts have cautioned that these paper substitutes may not be much better for the environment than plastic and frequently contain hazardous forever chemicals.
Before 2019, 500 million plastic straws were used daily in the United States alone. Since then, they have been prohibited in many states, which has prompted various companies to provide paper substitutes.
A recent study found that paper straws were substantially more likely to contain toxic-forever compounds than those made of other materials after examining 39 different brands.
PFAS (per and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) are a class of chemicals that are present in many commonplace goods. The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry states that they can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, weaken the immune system, and increase the chance of developing several malignancies.
These compounds can accumulate in the environment, damage natural water sources, and harm human health.
Ninety percent of the tested brands' paper straws included these chemicals, as opposed to 75 percent of the brands' plastic straws and 40 percent of the brands' glass straws. PFAS was not detected in any of the steel straws analyzed.
Because most individuals only use straws occasionally, the PFAS contents in these goods were still extremely low and only posed a minimal danger to human health. Experts are still learning about the extent of these chemicals' effects, but they are sure that PFAS can accumulate over time in both the environment and the human body.
To fully understand the effects of these goods, additional research is required because the study did not examine if PFAS may seep into the surrounding liquid.
Reusable Stainless Straw Benefits
The study noted that PFAS were not detected in steel straws, making them the best options. A stainless steel straw is the best straw substitute for both the environment and you.
They offer a safe and practical alternative and are more robust, affordable, and easy to maintain. Your metal reusable straws require little maintenance because they are simple to clean. To clean the insides and remove any leftover traces of your previous beverage, use the straw cleaner given in your kit, along with some soap and water. You can quickly remove the stains using straightforward techniques like vinegar and baking soda if it gets soiled.
Additionally, they don't come with additional taste. Stainless steel won't leave a nasty taste in your mouth, unlike other materials that can make your water taste unpleasant or absorb flavors from other drinks only for them to seep into your water. You may fully enjoy your water, juice, or iced coffee because there won't be any interference with your taste buds.
More importantly, a reusable straw is more economical and practical because it is reusable. They won't crack, and it will take years before you have to replace them. They are also eco-friendly as they take less energy to manufacture, can be recycled, and create less waste.
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