Alternatives of plastic straw

Have you ever seen a picture of a turtle with a nosebleed from a plastic straw stuck in its nostrils? Or a picture of a beach dirty with a pile of plastic? The huge amount of plastic waste that happens every day is polluting the environment. And the damage will come back to us.

Recently, efforts to reduce plastics have been increasing. What kind of efforts are you making? I think the easiest thing we can do in real life is not to use plastic straws. It takes more than 500 years for a plastic straw to break down, so we need to think about alternative products. 

1. stainless straw
Easy to clean using a brush, a possible reuse product. It can also be cleanly disinfected in boiling water. It's a product that has both convenience and economy. Another advantage is that the drink doesn't get colored. But, Do not forget to wash so that it does not taste like iron.

2. paper straw
It's harmless to the human body and it's hygienic. It has the advantage of being able to reduce environmental pollution by rapidly decomposing. However, if the straw is in the drink for a long time, it will become mushy and may lose its function later. But it's the most popular and environmental alternative.

3. rice straw (★)
A 'eatable' rice straw was made in Korea. Some people have made pasta with rice straw made with 70% rice, 30% tapioca, and some salt.  It has been certified by the HACCP (Hazard Analysis+Critical Control Point) and ISO 22000, a food safety management system by the International Organization for Standards (ISO).  It keeps form for an average of 4 to 10 hours in cold water and 3 hours in hot water. Also, it is said that it will be 100% naturally decomposed within 150 days, so is there a better product? 

4. silicon straw
Silicon straws can be used for a long time without easily changing shape. A soft, smooth silicone straw is better than a stainless steel straw for children to use, right?  It can be washed, of course, and does not dissolve even when put in boiling water.   

5. bamboo straw
It feels much more eco-friendly than other straws. The used straw can also be composted, so it's good to reduce waste and save nature. However, if the drying is not good after washing, mold will occur and you should manage well.   

6. Not using
How about not using a straw at all? You can drink enough without using a straw. Except in situations where straws are really needed, let's create an environment where we don't even use such alternatives if possible.  

Microscopic plastic fragments accumulate in the body of living organisms in the sea. Humans who consume such marine life will also be adversely affected by microplastics. To protect marine life, to protect the environment, and to protect us further, plastic reduction must be observed. How about the easiest way to do this: don't use plastic straw? We need to try to find plastic alternatives, knowing that if we destroy the environment, we will double the damage in the future.