Why buy eco-friendly straws?
Straws are everywhere in our daily lives — light and thin, they almost go unnoticed. However, plastic straws represent a true ecological disaster, particularly for marine life and ecosystems. That’s why the French government decided in 2019 to ban all single-use plastic packaging to help combat this issue. So, should we stop using straws altogether? Not necessarily! There are many eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to plastic straws.
THE IMPACT OF PLASTIC STRAWS: AN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER
Today, boycotting plastic straws has become a necessity. Let’s quickly explore why!
The issue with plastic straws is that individually, they seem small and insignificant, representing a minimal amount of plastic waste. However, the numbers speak for themselves: 1 billion single-use straws are thrown away each day. And since they are so small, they are not recycled.
Seafloors are the first victims of this massive quantity of discarded straws, which eventually break down into microplastics after a few years in the ocean. In fact, plastic straws are the 7th most collected waste item on beaches. These microplastics are ingested by marine and land animals — and later enter our bodies when we consume fish or even salt.
The facts are clear: plastic straws are very difficult to recycle, and their accumulation in nature threatens our entire ecosystem. It’s our responsibility to stop buying them and switch to existing alternatives.
WHAT ARE ECO-FRIENDLY STRAWS?
Following government regulations and shifting public attitudes, professionals in food service and event industries are turning to recyclable and more environmentally conscious products. This includes eco-friendly straws, which are becoming increasingly common. Since consumers are now accustomed to the comfort of using straws, professionals must find alternatives — but which ones?
There is a wide range of so-called eco-friendly straws, both disposable and reusable, that can replace plastic ones. They come in various materials such as paper, sugarcane, and bamboo. Options also vary in size (from 14 to 24 cm) and color (white, black, etc.). This makes it easy to find eco-friendly straws that match your brand and needs.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ECO-FRIENDLY STRAWS?
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Eco-friendly straws are environmentally friendly products
Most eco-friendly straws are made from 100% natural materials and are therefore fully recyclable. Some, such as bamboo or sugarcane straws, are even biodegradable. They break down naturally and have zero environmental impact. Even if not all eco-friendly straws are biodegradable, they significantly reduce the pollution caused by traditional plastic straws.
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A wide range of options
At first glance, one might assume eco-friendly straws are plain or dull — but that’s far from true. These straws come in various sizes, colors, and patterns that enhance the presentation of your drinks. While their practical use is appreciated, straws also serve as decorative items that contribute to your business’s theme or atmosphere. If you run a restaurant, you can opt for disposable paper straws that are highly practical and come in many designs. For home use, 100% natural options like reusable bamboo straws may be a better fit — and they are fully biodegradable. In short, it’s easy to find a model that suits your needs!
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Eco-friendly straws are affordable
You can get disposable paper straws for less than 3 cents each at Covr. They offer an excellent price-to-quality ratio. Reusable straws have a higher initial cost, but they are a long-term investment worth considering.
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Eco-friendly straws are durable
Eco-friendly straws like paper straws are very resistant and won’t tear or leak easily. You can confidently use them for both hot and cold beverages.
WHEN TO USE ECO-FRIENDLY STRAWS?
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For takeaway orders
Takeaway service includes both food and drinks, so choosing the right container is essential — especially to prevent spills during delivery. Most consumers expect a straw in their bag to drink on the go. Eco-friendly straws are ideal to meet this demand while staying environmentally responsible.
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A must-have for restaurants, snack bars, and cafés
Straws are a staple in restaurants and bars for both hot (e.g., hot chocolate) and cold drinks (e.g., sodas, juices). To reduce the pollution caused by plastic straw overuse, switch to paper straws — an eco-friendly and economical alternative.
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For clubs and events
Straws are also a comfort we’re used to at events and in nightclubs. You can easily find eco-friendly straws with festive and colorful designs — with a far smaller environmental footprint than plastic straws.
So, ready to make the switch?