6 alternatives to your island cocktail's (trashy) plastic straw
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(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles has announced a new ban on single-use plastic straws in its continuing efforts to keep the island nation as pristine as possible by reducing plastic waste.
The ban, which was announced last week, follows a campaign by the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association. The ban includes straws used in cocktails and other drinks but will exempt plastic straws attached to juice packets.
For every-day users of single-use plastic draws and those who are very much into cocktail drinks don’t despair, there are alternatives you can use.
SNA explores six alternatives to plastic straws that will spice up your beach-side cocktail.
Bamboo
Imagine your island drink in a coconut while sipping out of bamboo straw: 100 percent environmentally friendly. If you wish to go eco-friendly, then a bamboo straw is a top option. Many bamboo straws are actually whole pieces of young bamboo. This straw is strong, doesn't get soggy, and melts into the landscape when it's finished. Definitely not a threat to the environment.
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| (Mikaku, Flickr) Photo License: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 |
Acrylic
These straws are the sort that you find in the reusable cups sold at many shops in Seychelles' capital, and not only are they reusable but can bend like any plastic straw. The acrylic straw is durable but can show some signs of wear after several washes. The good thing is you can carry it around and use anytime. So parents if you are travelling with your kids and need to avoid spills remember to have one at hand.
Glass
First question: Is it safe? Don't worry, as most glass straws are made from borosilicate (the substance used in Pyrex products), so are shatter-resistant, break-resistant, and usable in cold and hot temperatures. In addition, it is non-porous, which means bacteria from your smoothie or milkshake won’t get stuck in the glass and make you sick. Reusable and worth a try!
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Metal
Like glass, aluminium or stainless steel straws can conduct temperature, but for ease and durability, metal is hard to beat. The stainless ones although more expensive are not only reusable and easy to clean but have a long-lifespan and are dishwasher safe.
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| (pxhere.com) Photo License: Public Domain |
Paper
Another environmentally-friendly option as they break down quickly and are compostable. The only concern with this one is that it doesn’t last long and can get soggy too quickly. So for short-term use, they will do nicely.
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| (Flickr) Photo License: CC BY-NC 2.0 |
Ice
A cool, creative solution. Remember you will need a mould the ice to get the shape right, pop in the freezer and when ready its ready to be used and plus it will keep your drink cool.
