Why reusable stainless steel straws are the best(2)

Glass rods

The advantages.

Glass straws have the absolute most stylish look and are perfect for sophisticated cocktail parties. Because they are so smooth, drinking from them feels comfortable and natural, almost as if you are drinking from the glass itself. The glass is also recyclable and does not contain any toxic chemicals, making them a safe and sustainable choice. Plus, they're easy to spot when they get dirty, so there's no mould or build-up.

The downside.

Although many say they are shatterproof, at the end of the day they are still glass and so are not completely unbreakable. Dropping them from a high place or accidentally placing them in your bag can cause the straws to break. Because of this, they are not easy to carry around when travelling and are not recommended for children.

Silicone straws

The advantages.

Silicone straws are soft and flexible and are easy to use by children and people with motor disabilities as they are comfortable and very flexible. BPA-free and highly durable, these straws will last for many years before they need to be replaced. They are also dishwasher safe and heat resistant so that the temperature of drinks will not be an issue.

The downside.

Silicone is not a biodegradable material and is difficult to recycle, so although they can last a long time, they can still end up in our oceans and damage the environment. They are also not the most hygienic option as drinks, such as smoothies, can very easily get stuck in them and transferred to a different drink.

Stainless steel straws

The advantages.

Free from BPA and any other toxic chemicals, stainless steel straws are highly recommended. Due to its strength and durability, stainless steel is the material of choice for many green products. Stainless steel is also easy to recycle. In fact, around 60-70% of stainless steel products already contain recycled metal, and 80% of all metals once created are still present today

The downside.

Although they can be recycled, and often are, they are not biodegradable. They can take up to 200 years to be biodegradable! The first time you use a stainless steel straw you may get a metallic smell, but after a few washes this should not be a problem.

Which material is the most sustainable and best for making reusable straws?

We think that stainless steel is the most sustainable choice as it is very strong so it can be used for many products and even environmentally friendly buildings. The material is also infinitely recyclable, unlike glass, silicone or plastic, which means no stainless steel goes to waste. As stainless steel straws are also unbreakable, easy to clean and BPA free, they can last you a lifetime if looked after properly!