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You’ve probably heard about reusable beverage containers—Starbucks sells reusable coffee cups that earn you 10¢off your beverage each time you use them. This great trend is quickly taking off, helping to promote sustainability and going green.

However, reusable cups are just a start. There is an even bigger sustainability switch we should be making, and that’s reusable straws.

Why Reusable Straws?

There are many reasons to switch to reusable straws. The two biggest are related to our physical and environmental heath. According to Eco At Heart plastic straws contain BPA, which is linked to brain and behavior problems as well as an increased risk of cancer and heart problems.  Additionally, the Plastic Pollution Coalition states that the United States uses over 500,000,000 plastic straws everyday.  We use straws once and then toss them away without a second thought, and this waste creates a lot of plastic pollution.

Eco At Heart explains that plastic straws are one of the top ten most common items of trash found in the ocean. Switching to reusable straws will lower the amount of pollution in our oceans, and less pollution means less harm to the environment and marine life!

Last but not least, using reusable straws is economically beneficial as well! Many of us have purchased plastic straws to keep in the house for our iced coffees and Diet Cokes, so  we all also know just how expensive that can be. Instead of buying new, harmful straws each month, you can buy reusable ones that save a lot of money and the environment!

ENTITY talks reusable straws

Where To Buy Reusable Straws

As seen on Wise Bread, there are multiple different kinds of reusable straws. Stainless steel straws are a very popular option, but some people opt for glass or silicone. Any type of reusable straw is perfect as long as it’s serving its purpose, so the type you choose is really up to you and personal preference!

Stainless Steel: SipWell Stainless Steel Drinking Straws are very affordable and have great reviews. They’re dishwasher safe as well as rust and scratch proof. Just keep in mind that they’re not very wide, and therefore not intended for smoothies.

Silicone: My friends last semester were telling me about their “big straws” and I had no idea what they were talking about. Turns out they were referring to Bubba’s Big Straws, which are made out of 100% food-grade silicone and very affordable. They’re compatible with many different types of tumblers and glasses, and are perfect for smoothies or milkshakes due to their thickness.

Glass: Glass straws may be a bit more expensive than steel or silicone, but they’re still a great option. Hummingbird’s glass straws are each handmade  and completely shatterproof. They are also dishwasher safe and of course, non-toxic!

Acrylic: Last but not least, acrylic straws are a great alternative—and probably the most similar to the plastic straws you’re used to. The Advgears non-toxic and safe plastic straws on Amazon are perfect for any beverage you may be drinking. They fit almost all tumblers, mason jars and Starbucks cups, are extremely affordable at less than $10 for a 30 pack and come with a cleaning brush and money-back guaranteed.

If you’re someone who doesn’t really feel the need for a straw at all, try going strawless! Think about how much you’ll save environmentally and economically!

Edited by Kylie Anderson
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