We are designed for comfort but, ironically no amount of comfort is ever enough. It is this need for ease that straws were invented. It is such a minute invention but, it had a drastic impact on the lives of the people and the economy.
This invention also helped people who were physically unable to properly drink liquid items on their own, drink themselves with no help. However, the material used for making these straws is what became a problem in the long run. In this blog, you will know the environmental benefits if society stops using plastic straws.
How widely are plastic straws used?
Plastic straws were invented in the 1960s, as a substitute for paper straws. Straws were trendy and also made it easier for people who needed external help to drink. Straws are still used today.
According to a study done in 2020, 500 million plastic straws were used in the United States alone, which increased in Europe to 25.3 billion plastic straws. These numbers prove that these straws are essential and have become a part of people’s everyday lives.
So, even with the diverse effects that plastic straws have on the environment, people, and animals, it is not something that people can give up easily.
What are the environmental benefits if society stops using plastic straws?
There are many environmental benefits if society stops using plastic straws, we can help protect our planet and also protect lots of lives affected by the use of plastic. Some of the benefits of not using plastic straws are as follows:
Microplastic consumption
Plastic straws increase your consumption of microplastic. Microplastics are small and you may not even feel that you are consuming them, but in the long run, it will affect metabolism and immunity. These compounds are very toxic and can also affect your neurology and fertility.
You do not have to give up on straws completely, you can go for safer, non-plastic alternatives that you can find in the market. But, please try and avoid them for your sake and your children’s sake.
Saving the animals
A turtle being spotted with a plastic straw in its nostril was what created an uproar in social media which instigated people to give up using plastic straws and forced industries to switch to a safe environment-friendly alternative. But it is not just the turtles in the sea that are affected by plastic straws.
Poor animals cannot distinguish between food and straws. This makes plastic straws a choking hazard for animals which could lead to their excruciating death. Both marine life and land animals are affected by improper disposal of plastic straws.
Protecting the environment
We know that plastics are non-biodegradable and will take hundreds of years to disintegrate. Plastic straws are a problem for the environment too. They are widely used and on a massive scale.
Unfortunately, they are one-time use only and this increases their quantity in the landfills. Plastic straws take a while to disintegrate and do not ass any nutritional value to the soil.
This means they serve no higher purpose other than helping you finish your drink in 15 minutes, and becoming a burden to the land.
What are the possible alternatives to using a plastic straw?
Sip-friendly cups
The largest Coffeehouse chain incorporated a different type of takeaway cups that do not need straws. Many places can follow this and start using such cups so people don’t have to use straws.
Paper straws
Paper straws are another alternative to plastic straws. They can be recycled and are biodegradable, meaning they do not harm the environment.
However, there is a little setback with paper straws which marks it not the first option for people wanting to switch to environmental-friendly straws.
Edible straws
Edible straws are the outcome of the need to use less plastic straws. Plastic straws are non-degradable and edible straws can be eaten! It’s the same function with different results. Kwang-phil Kim came up with the idea of edible straws and he created the ‘ric straws’ in 2018.
These straws are made from 70% flour and 30% tapioca flour and do not alter the flavor of the drink. You can simply munch on them or discard them after use without worry because these are 100% degradable.
Papaya leaf stem
This is perfect for summer mocktails and cocktails. You can use papaya leaf stems as straws for your drinks too. They are biodegradable and elevate the visuals of your drinks too. It adds a bohemian vibe to your drinks.
Plastic straws may not seem like much they hurt a lot of things. Many people may argue that there is no difference in the use of alternative straws, but that is not the case. The results may not be visible now, but once you make the switch, you will feel the difference in months.
Initially, it is the good feeling of doing something good for the environment and animals who cannot advocate for themselves. But later, you feel the physical difference it makes too. Even if it is one less turtle in pain because you chose to not use plastic straws, that is a difference made.
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FAQs
How much damage do plastic straws do to the environment?
About 1500 metric tons of plastic is said to be out in the ocean by 2025 and this means 1 pound of plastic for every 3 pounds of fish. This greatly affects marine life, which in turn will affect life on land too.
What are the positive effects of plastic straws?
It is hygienic because it is used once and discarded, but you cannot deny that you will be consuming a small amount of microplastic each time you use a plastic straw.
Is banning straws effective?
As of now, we do not see much of a difference even after the use of alternative straws. But this does not mean a difference is not being made. It is the beginning of enforcing plastic alternatives in other packaging too.
Why are straws important?
Straws help you drink without spillage and it helps people with mobility issues to drink independently.
What can you use instead of plastic straws?
There are so many different alternatives to plastic straws today; you can use edible straws, papaya stems, or even paper straws.