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5 Reusable Straws Perfect For A Plastic-Free Summer

Emma Loewe
Author:
May 29, 2018
Emma Loewe
mbg Sustainability + Health Director
By Emma Loewe
mbg Sustainability + Health Director
Emma Loewe is the Senior Sustainability Editor at mindbodygreen and the author of "Return to Nature: The New Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us."
Photo by Leah Flores
May 29, 2018

Do you feel it? That's the plastic straw resistance in the air. Cities around the world—from Seattle to Taiwan—have recently passed legislation to ban plastic straws from dining establishments in an effort to reduce waste.

Since plastic straws are so tiny, they are notorious for making their way into our oceans, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration deeming them one of the top five most common items found on shores during International Coastal Cleanups. While replacing single-use plastic straws with a reusable option may not be enough to save the planet, it's a simple tweak that anyone can stick with.

Since yogi Tara Stiles and mbg released an anti-straw PSA last November, pockets of the wellness world have started embracing this eco-friendly trend: Trendsetters like Lee Tilghman and Alison Wu have nixed single-use plastic from their routines as healthy restaurants and cafes help make plastic-free the new norm.

These changes are already driving industry innovation, with leading straw manufacturers starting to consider switching from plastic to plant-based materials. Here's hoping it's only a matter of time before single-use plastic straws are a thing of the past. Until then, check out these reusable options to carry around in your bag for impromptu iced matchas and cocktails this summer. Many of them tie in a philanthropic component as well, making them a (super-small) investment you can feel good about.

Simply Straws

This family-owned company sells glass straws in every shape and style under the sun—from bendy to straight, blue to orange, long to short. They're BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and proceeds from every purchase go to one of their nonprofit partners like 1% for the Planet, the Keep-a-Breast Foundation, and the Plastic Pollution Coalition.

Bambu

Surprisingly enough, bamboo straws can be reused again and again, and they won't degrade. Bambu uses 100 percent certified organic bamboo in all their straws, and they claim to be the only company doing so.

Klean Kanteen

Klean Kanteen's metal straws have a silicone tip, so they're great for sipping hot beverages, too. Bonus: They're cheap and come with a small brush for cleaning.

Mulled Mind

This small producer hand-makes stainless-steel straws in the United States and ships them in recycled packing material.

Harvest Straws

While not reusable, Harvest Straws are made from grain stalks instead of plastic, so they biodegrade and don't pollute the environment when you toss them. The company is also part of the Tehachapi Heritage Grain Project, which seeks to bring more drought-tolerant crops to California.

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