If you love to drink from a straw, but hate the waste that using disposable straws produces, there are eco friendly straws available for you! Check out the 4 different options that you can start using today and can take with you anywhere you go!
I love drinking out of a straw. Give me a cup with a straw and I’ll drink twice as much water in a day. I have no idea why, but it’s just something I’ve always preferred. But one thing I don’t prefer is the amount of waste that using disposable straws causes.
I’m not alone there either. Did you know that some cities have outlawed plastic straws? In fact, there’s a bill in the works to outlaw plastic straws in the entire state of California right now.
The biggest issue with plastic straws is the fact that they aren’t even recyclable. Add to that fact that the average American uses at least 2 straws a day which means that 500 million plastic straws are trashed each and every single day in America*. Staggering, right?!
But what do people like me that LOVE to drink out of a straw do when we come to the realization that they are SO wasteful? You start researching eco friendly straws, of course!
Types of Eco Friendly Straws
Glass
I’ve actually been using eco friendly straws in my home for almost 6 years now. The first I tried was glass straws from Glass Dharma and they are still my favorite reusable straws to use. They basically still look brand new and are much more durable than you might imagine glass straws would be.
They can be used with color or hot liquids and are actually dishwasher safe. I prefer to hand wash mine, though.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel straws are probably the most well known of plastic straw alternatives. They are easy to wash, can be used with hot or cold liquids, and you don’t have to worry about breaking that you might with glass straws. They are also a little less expensive than glass straws. While I do like these type of straws, I don’t use them as often just because I don’t like the feeling of stainless steel hitting my teeth or the sound they make when bumping against Yeti style cups.
Paper
Adorable paper straws are all the rage when it comes to birthday parties and smoothie photos, but they are also a great eco friendly straw option too. Since they’re paper, they are biodegradable. However, they definitely don’t have the long life of glass or stainless steel straws.
These paper straws were party of the decor in our Mickey Mouse Birthday Party.
Bamboo
I haven’t had personal experience with Bamboo eco friendly straws, but they are definitely an option and a perfect way to get back to the basics. They are biodegradable, extremely strong and durable by nature, and contain NO inks or dyes. Bamboo straws won’t break, like glass straws, but are NOT dishwasher safe.
How to take your eco friendly straws anywhere
You don’t just have to make the change to eco friendly straws at home either. In fact, once you start taking your straws with you, that’s when you’ll see the biggest impact. The easiest way I’ve found to take along my straws is to keep them in my favorite Ozark tumbler that goes with me everywhere.
Another option is a sleeve like this one, made from 100% hemp, from Glass Dharma.
It’s made with a sleeve style, which protects your straw by folding over it to be sure it doesn’t fall out in your bag. As with anything delicate, you’ll want to be extra careful if you choose to put your glass straws in a bag, but the others would be a lot more durable for travel.
One of my all time favorite quotes goes perfectly with this conversation.
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
While a few straws a day might not seem like a huge change compared to the 500 million that are thrown away each day, it really is. And you’re a great motivator for others who see you toting around your favorite style of eco friendly straw!
*Source: https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/14/world/plastic-straws-ban-campaigns/index.html
Deborah D says
April 15, 2018 at 2:39 pmI need to try these straws.
Angela Saver says
April 14, 2018 at 1:54 amI love my glass straws! I love the tip to travel with our straws!!
Dana Rodriguez says
April 13, 2018 at 12:14 pmI remember when I was a kid paper straws were the normal thing. We use stainless straw and have for about the last year.
Christina G. says
April 13, 2018 at 1:41 amI like the paper straws. It reminds me of the good old days. Am I aging myself, lol? Thanks for sharing!
desiree says
March 24, 2013 at 4:37 pmi would love to take them i go inot place and sthey do not have strws wow ica pull myown out
desiree says
March 24, 2013 at 4:36 pmthose are neat and could be handy when travlling
Michelle F. says
March 23, 2013 at 10:21 pmhave not tried them before
Anne says
March 23, 2013 at 7:14 pmThanks for this! I took the pledge. It’s a good reminder to be mindful of one’s actions.
Wendy Mastin says
March 23, 2013 at 5:32 pmI like how eco-friendly they are and I especially like the Hemp Soft Sleeve
Judith Martinez says
March 22, 2013 at 5:13 pmI signed the pledge and I’m really excited to get my straw in the mail and give it a try. I love drinking with a straw but I refuse to spend money on disposable straws. I’ve gotten some plastic re-usable straws but they start to crack and split after a few months of use.
Jennifer Johansen says
March 22, 2013 at 12:55 amNow why didn’t I think of using a sleeve for reusable straws? These are so awesome.
Helga says
March 18, 2013 at 10:57 amThose are attractive and eco friendly, I would love some!
Keara B. says
March 17, 2013 at 11:52 pmI haven’t tried these yet, but I definitely signed the pledge! I’m excited to give them a go!
Holly says
March 17, 2013 at 6:22 pmI’ve been really wanting to try glass straws. I signed the pledge so hopefully I’ll finally get to try one.
Isra {TheFrugalette} says
March 17, 2013 at 5:13 pmI haven’t tried glass straws yet, but have been seeing them around for awhile, I really want to start and that’s a cool way to keep them on the go.
Marysa says
March 17, 2013 at 1:47 pmI love this concept, and it’s great they have stuff like carriers for the straw. Nice product!
Stephanie O says
March 16, 2013 at 11:10 pmEd them or signed pledge yet.I have not tri
Michelle Perez says
March 16, 2013 at 8:18 pmI have not used a glass straw yet. I have a tendency to bite on my straws so hopefully this will break 2 bad habits; biting straws and using disposable straws. I also pledged!
Amanda Alvarado says
March 16, 2013 at 4:28 pmI haven’t tried them but have been wanting to! I signed the pledge so I’ll finally get to try them! 🙂
Brandy says
March 16, 2013 at 12:43 pmI received a straw from Glass Dharma several years ago and I love it! It’s so fashionable and I agree that the plastic straws are just not as special. I have yet to travel with my straw though but will have to check out this case.
Jodi J says
March 14, 2013 at 11:59 pmI’ve never tried glass straws but I signed the pledge and I can’t wait to receive and try my first glass straw!
nicole lewis says
March 14, 2013 at 6:56 pmi have not tried glass straws yet but i did take the pledge at the site
Dorothy Teel says
March 14, 2013 at 1:14 pmThank you I signed the Pledge and looking forward to getting my straw, these are a wonderful idea I want a set with Blue DOTs, will have to check back later on these..
Laura P. says
March 12, 2013 at 3:48 pmI signed the pledge and I have never used glass straws but think they are a great idea.
Margot C says
March 12, 2013 at 1:07 pmOh yes! I have six Glass Dharma straws. Here’s a real hint. Go to ‘underground’ on the site here: http://www.glassdharma.com/underground/index.htm and you can also order special super skinny glass straws that will fit the those plastic thermal cups for iced coffee or in Starbucks cups. That is my new fave Glass Straw thing, a glass straw in a plastic cup!
Lindsey says
March 14, 2013 at 2:06 pmOh my! Thanks for the hint – I had no idea this site existed! Now I want a coffee straw!
Angela says
March 12, 2013 at 11:12 amI’ve never had a glass straw – this is very neat!
Narelle G. says
March 11, 2013 at 10:48 pmI have never tried them, but would love to! I haven’t taken the pledge, but thinking about it! 🙂
polly says
March 11, 2013 at 8:16 pmwe have never tried glass straws but such a great idea!
Kristina says
March 11, 2013 at 4:04 pmDD LOVES straws and I hate plastic ones. These are perfect. PS…I have the same yellow 31 bag. Great minds 😉
Nicole Bear says
March 11, 2013 at 3:20 pmOk, now the question is there, and I guess I answered it anyway!
@MryJhnsn from iNeedaPlaydate says
March 11, 2013 at 2:54 pmI love that straw! It sure beats the plastic one but I am not sure if I would remember to bring it with me… certainly worth finding out 🙂
natalie nichols says
March 11, 2013 at 2:47 pmI signed the pledge and I have not tried them yet!
Sarah Hayes says
March 11, 2013 at 2:18 pmI did sign the pledge bc Ive never tried these before and Id love to! they look awesome and not using plastic and other disposible materials is important to me
Nicole Bear says
March 11, 2013 at 1:52 pmI can’t find the question to answer for the giveaway, but I did sign the pledge and I am looking forward to using my glass straw instead of plastic ones!
Amanda Selenke says
March 11, 2013 at 9:18 amI have seen these before and think they are great! I like how big they are and the carry case!
Brooke Bumgardner says
March 9, 2013 at 9:12 pmI took the pledge a few weeks ago…very interested in making the switch to glass straws! Can’t wait to try it out.
Monique says
March 9, 2013 at 2:55 pmWe love our glass straws. I think my first introduction was on a blog. I entered a contest and won, and we’ve been hooked since. I also signed the pledge. Heading on over now to look at the hemp sleeves. We use reusable bottles, but I sometimes think about traveling with a straw. Great idea.
Tiffany C. says
March 9, 2013 at 8:06 amI really want to get a few of these. I’ve heard of them before but still haven’t gotten any. Thanks for sharing.
Erica says
March 8, 2013 at 8:24 pmI’ve seen stainless steel straws, but not glass ones. I totally love this! I’m not a fan of plastic, so these would be great to have!
AlannaB says
March 8, 2013 at 6:35 pmThank you for posting this! I will definitely look into Glass Dharma! My husband has been asking me to buy some straws for around the house, but the disposable ones are so wasteful and I do not want to buy plastic because of BPA.
Shannon Stubbs ( says
March 8, 2013 at 3:14 pmI hadn’t paid much attention to glass straws because I only use them at restaurants, but I may have to check them out.
Sarah Jane says
March 8, 2013 at 11:16 amI must admit, I have not yet made the switch to glass straws. I will have to check out Glass Dharma.
Misfit Momma aka Missy says
March 8, 2013 at 11:13 amI loved my straws from Glass Dharma until my kids managed to break them all! Just signed the pledge so will be happy to have a new straw soon 🙂
Michelle Ferguson says
March 8, 2013 at 11:12 amI’ve never even heard of glass straws! Wow! I’m going to have to look in to these!
Laura P says
March 8, 2013 at 10:54 amThis is fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing! I use straws all the time, but I’ve never heard of a glass one! This will definitely be a favorite thing in my kitchen!
Crunchy Beach Mama says
March 8, 2013 at 10:53 amI need to start doing this again. I used to take mine everywhere – for all 5 of us. And I loved it too – not having to grab a straw! But we (the kids) have broken a couple this way from being dropped…so I stopped. Love the idea and think I’ll start it up again. 🙂