And what to do about it.
Lately anytime my family and I visit a restaurant and order drinks, we never seem to get a straw. This is kind of a big deal for my Dad who needs a straw for coffee or any other beverage. We always ask for one, and if our server is conscientious, he or she will bring one by (eventually) - if we're lucky, it's before Dad's coffee is cold. If not, Mom sometimes has to go search one out. I don't "need" a straw, but I do hate drinking icy beverages without one. Dad also uses straws at home all the time, and I like one for my morning Shakeology smoothie.
As we all know, straws (at least of the plastic variety) will someday be banned everywhere. Click here for an interesting read from National Geographic on how the whole plastic drinking straw thing got started and where it's going.
The Be Straw Free Campaign
This planet is not a place that kids will inherit at some point far off in the distant future; we live here right now, we share this planet already. It's ours to play on as well as to take care of. Milo Cress
At just 9 years old, Milo Cress started the The Be Straw Free Campaign to reduce the number of plastic drinking straws used and eventually discarded. It's hard to believe that over 500 million plastic drinking straws are used every day in the United States!
My earth-conscious friend, Stephanie, recently posted on Facebook about some awesome reusable metal straws that she had found on Amazon , so I decided to order them (Stainless Reusable Drinking Straws). They are really nice and come with a set of 2 handy cleaning brushes I love. She carries some in her purse and keeps a set in her car as well. Unfortunately, I can't stand using them! Maybe it's just me, but the metal clanging against my teeth when I'm drinking really bothers me. Dad also found that the tall metal straw made it very easy to tip over a juice glass. Not a good thing...
Last weekend when I was in Stratford with a bunch of friends, we were in a lovely kitchen store called Bradshaw's - Kitchen Detail. You can check them out online at Bradshaw's Canada. I found this colourful set of 2-piece reusable silicone straws and just had to bring them home. They are the best! My dad is also a fan. For $16.95, you get 4 straws which come apart for easy cleaning, or if you don't need all that length for your drink. They don't bother my teeth at all and are super easy to clean and care for. I was a bit worried they might have a funny plastic taste, but they don't. Dad has taken to carrying one in his bag, Mom has one in her purse and they have a spare in the car and one for home, too. Perfect!
You can also get these on Amazon if you don't mind paying a little more, but want free shipping - GreenPaxx Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws.
We are definitely going to have to purchase at least one more set of these silicone straws. Whether you need a straw everywhere, or just want to help the environment, I hope you'll check them out.
Love the silicone straw. I try to practice the ‘chin tuck’ when drinking liquids. The flexible silicone straw makes this possible without needing to always sit erect when drinking. The diameter is about right - allows for thicker consistency. Carries well in a bag or purse. And if it happens to get bumped while in a glass, no spill. now, that’s a bonus.