Plastic straws have had a devastating effect on the environment, leading to them being banned in the UK and many other places. With many companies appealing to eco-conscious consumers, choosing the best alternative can seem overwhelming.
Bamboo as a sustainable crop
A very fast-growing crop, bamboo lends itself to quick harvesting and production. Once cut, the plant can be left to regenerate through its roots. This means it can be repeatedly regrown and harvested without replanting.
As little space is needed for growing, the potential for deforestation is significantly reduced.
Bamboo is also naturally anti-microbial. This means it is less affected by pests and disease than other crops. Thanks to this, no harsh pesticides or fertilisers are needed when the plant is growing.
Products made from bamboo are also biodegradable. If they end up back in the environment, they won’t have the same devastating effect on their surroundings as plastic products do.
Reusable bamboo straws as an alternative to disposable straws
Plastic or metal straws can harbour bacteria in small internal grooves or scratches. Anti-microbial reusable bamboo straws offer protection against harmful bugs.
As they are simply shoots cut to size and smoothed, no chemicals are used in growing or manufacturing. This ensures that bamboo straws are completely food safe from first use. There is no unpleasant chemical aftertaste and no risk of leaching into hot beverages.
Bamboo straws are the natural alternative for reusable straws. Glass, stainless steel and even silicone use more resource-intensive manufacturing and mining processes, which often leave a negative impact on the environment.
How to clean bamboo straws
Wash with warm water and gentle soap, using a cleaning brush on the inside. Make sure they are completely dry after washing, inside and out, then store them in a ventilated place. Storing in a sealed container, such as a jar, can lead to trapped moisture generating mould or mildew.
To protect the outside of your straw after deep cleaning or multiple uses, rub a little coconut oil onto the exterior.
Reducing single-use plastic waste
Approximately half of the plastic processed worldwide is only used once before being discarded. With 12.7 million tonnes of plastic entering the oceans every year, most isn’t being disposed of correctly.
Bamboo straws can last years if properly cared for, potentially replacing hundreds, if not thousands of single-use plastic straws.
Safety and accessibility concerns
Some people with certain disabilities, tremors or impaired motor control are unable to consume beverages or even medication through inflexible silicone or metal straws. The sharp edges and unforgiving construction of metal and glass straws can present a danger.
Bamboo straws are rigid and durable. However, there are no sharp edges and they won’t shatter or splinter.
Our reusable eco-friendly straws
FOOGO green’s bamboo reusable straws are highly functional, robust, and versatile, while their understated yet natural aesthetic is chic enough for any occasion.
Shipped in zero-plastic packaging, the recyclable cardboard box can be used to keep your straws hygienic while out and about. Lightweight and highly portable, the straws themselves are 100% compostable when they reach the end of their useful lives.
Our straws come in two sizes, are allergen free and can be used with all kinds of liquids – hot and cold; thick or thin.
If you need the convenience of disposable straws, but want to save your bamboo ones from waste, wheat straws are a completely natural alternative. Made from harvested wheat stalks, which would otherwise be discarded, they are naturally water-resistant, gluten free and fully compostable.