Straws
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
What are the Best Straws Brands?
What Are Straws Made Of?
Most of the time we use straws but don't really think about what they're made of. Many of the straws we use are made of a blend of plastic resin, colorants and other additives.
Are Straws Recyclable?
Technically, the plastic that straws are made of is recyclable. But, they are not accepted at curbside recycling because they are too lightweight to go through the mechanical recycling sorter. They drop through the sorting screens and get mixed up with other materials. They are too small to separate and so they end up contaminating recycling loads or get disposed of as garbage. Because of this, they end up in landfills and, frequently, rivers and oceans.
How To Clean Straws
If you have reusable straws at home, you have to make sure you're cleaning them well. Residual food and drink debris can get stuck on the inside and be a breeding ground for bacteria. Many people have a pipe cleaner or a long straw cleaning brush on hand. But if you don't, here are some other ways you can clean your straws:
Dishwasher: This is probably a no-brainer. Make sure you rinse the straw out first.
Boiling water: This kills bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Put your straws into a pot of water and let it boil. You can add a tablespoon of vinegar or baking soda for a better clean if you want to. Let them boil for 10 minutes. Let them cool before trying to touch them.
Dental floss or string: Put warm water and dish soap in a bowl. Add some dish soap into the straw. Soak them in the water for a few minutes. Pass your floss or string through the straw several times. Rinse it under tap water.
Long q-tips: Put dish soap into your straw. Starting at the mouth of the straw, work your way in, scrubbing with the q-tip. Change as needed. Rinse with water.
If you run out of dish soap, you can use something else you may have at home. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant. Distilled vinegar has antibacterial properties and can rid your straw of dirt. Or you can squeeze lemons. These also have antibacterial properties.