Americans use between 170 to 390 million straws a day, according to market research firms cited in a New York Times article. Whether your city is banning plastic straws or you just want to be more eco-friendly while sipping your iced coffee, here are the 10 best reusable straws to invest in this year.
10 Best Reusable Straws:
1. Best Overall: Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Straw Set
2. Most Sustainable: Koffie Straw
3. Most Popular: FinalStraw Collapsible Reusable Metal Straw
4. Best Silicone: GoSili Reusable Silicone Straw
5. Best Metal: Friendly Straw Six Pack
6. Best Glass: Hummingbird Glass Straws
7. Best Bamboo: ECO/EGO Handcrafted Organic Bamboo Drinking Straws
8. Best Collapsible: Flyby Portable Reusable Drinking Straws
9. Best Wide: Teivio Reusable Glass Straws
10. Best For Kids: Softy Straws Silicone Straws
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1. Best Overall Reusable Straw: Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Straw Set
Klean Kanteen's mission is rooted in making high-quality, long-lasting products that are good for the planet. And its Stainless Steel Straw Set seamlessly follows suit. These hybrid silicone and metal straws are perfect for everyday use, as they're safe to use with both hot and cold beverages and hold up through many cycles in the dishwasher.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Supports 1% for the Planet; B Corp; Climate Neutral Certified; BPA-free; Vegan; Dishwasher safe2. Most Sustainable Straw: Koffie Straw
They're durable enough to hold up for years, but at the end of their life, Koffie Straws can be burned into biodegradable ash, which keeps them from clogging landfills. The packaging that each straw comes in is also compostable, so if you're looking for zero-waste reusable straws, these could be your best bet.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Compostable packaging; Dishwasher safe; Vegan; BPA-free; Biodegradable
3. Most Popular: FinalStraw Collapsible Reusable Metal Straw
You may recognize FinalStraw Collapsible Reusable Metal Straws from the company's viral advertisements or $1.89 million Kickstarter campaign. And as it turns out, the folks at Final are as good at making straws as they are at marketing them. The stainless-steel-and-silicone FinalStraw is designed to fold down into a convenient case that can be attached to your key ring or stashed in a pocket or purse.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: Supports 1% for the Planet; Made with post-consumer recycled materials; Latex and BPA-free; Portable; Carrying case and cleaning brush included
4. Best Silicone Straw: GoSili Reusable Silicone Straw
The GoSili Reusable Silicone Straw comes in a couple of lengths to fit standard cups or larger eco-friendly water bottles. It is made with soft, European-grade silicone and can be folded into its lightweight aluminum case for easy carrying. When it eventually comes time to recycle your straw, if your local recycling facility doesn't accept silicone, you can send it back to GoSili and the company will recycle it for you.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: BPA-free; Portable; Carrying case included; Dishwasher safe; Minimal packaging
5. Best Metal Straw: Friendly Straw Six Pack
Looking for the best no-frills metal straw? Try the Friendly Straw Six Pack. This set of three straight and three bent straws lets you choose the ideal angle for sipping your favorite beverages. All are dishwasher safe, come with a carrying pouch, and include a brush to make cleaning a breeze.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: Dishwasher safe; Rust-proof stainless steel; Carrying pouch and cleaning brush included; Paper packaging
6. Best Glass Straw: Hummingbird Glass Straws
If metal isn't quite your thing, you may like glass. Glass reusable straws are lightweight and have a smooth mouthfeel, plus it's easier to see if they're dirty. We like Hummingbird Glass Straws, which are handmade in Colorado using durable borosilicate glass, which is more shatter-resistant than regular glass.
Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Nontoxic; Plastic-free; Dishwasher safe; Handmade in the U.S.; Paper packaging; Cleaning brush included
7. Best Bamboo Straw: ECO/EGO Handcrafted Organic Bamboo Drinking Straws
ECO/EGO Handcrafted Organic Bamboo Drinking Straws are a great biodegradable, long-lasting option for reusable straws. Each straw is made from 100% natural bamboo, and this set of 12 comes with its own carrying pouch and a cleaning brush. What's more, the company donates 10% of its profits to helping save wildlife like sea turtles, koalas, dolphins, and otters.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: Zero-waste; Biodegradable; Supports wildlife conservation; Carrying pouch and cleaning brush included; Plastic-free packaging; 100% natural bamboo
8. Best Collapsible Straw: Flyby Portable Reusable Drinking Straw
Many reusable straws on our list come with a carrying pouch of some kind, but that doesn't mean they are all compact or lightweight enough to comfortably fit in your pocket. Enter the Flyby Portable Reusable Drinking Straw. This telescopic straw can be adjusted to fit different glasses, comes in an ultralight aluminum case with a carabiner attachment, includes a telescopic cleaning brush for washing on the go, and has a silicone tip for a smoother sip.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: Dishwasher safe; Adjustable length; Plastic-free packaging; Carrying case and cleaning brush included; Nontoxic9. Best Wide Straw: Teivio Reusable Straws
While a standard-sized straw will work in most situations, some drinks may require something a little wider. For smoothies, milkshakes, and boba tea, we recommend Teivio Reusable Glass Straws. This set comes with two standard straws, two extra-wide straws, a pair of cleaning brushes, and two handy cases made from biodegradable wheat straw.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: Case made from biodegradable wheat straw; Wide; Nontoxic; Cleaning brush included10. Best Reusable Straw For Kids: Softy Straws Silicone Straws
Reusable straws set a great example of stewardship for your little ones, but it's important to make sure they're bite-safe. Softy Straws Silicone Straws are flexible yet durable and come in kid-friendly colors. They're also BPA-free, lead-free, and have passed rigorous safety testing to ensure they're safe for the whole family.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why Buy: Dishwasher safe; BPA-free; Lead-free; Cleaning squeegee included
Buyer's Guide: Which Reusable Straw Is Right For You?
We've listed 10 of the best reusable straws to choose from, but which one is best for you? When buying a reusable straw, you'll want to take into account factors such as whether you want to take your straw on the go — and, thus, whether it folds down or has a carrying case of some sort — and whether it's important that it's dishwasher safe.
You'll also want to choose which material you prefer:
- Silicone: If you're a habitual straw biter or have young children, Silicone will likely be your best bet. These soft reusable straws are ultra flexible, nontoxic, and are available in many different colors. They don't hold a shape as well as some alternative materials, but that's precisely what many users like about them.
- Stainless steel: Metal straws made with food-grade stainless steel are often a cheap option, but they hold up over time. While some people complain about a metallic taste and heating up when drinking hot beverages, others prefer these straws for their durability. Additionally, some stainless-steel straws come with silicone tips that can be used if you don't like how hard the metal is on your teeth.
- Glass: Glass reusable straws have a smooth mouthfeel, are lightweight, and can come in a variety of aesthetically pleasing hues. You can rest assured they won't be made with BPA or other harmful toxins, but one common concern with glass straws is how breakable they are. To combat this, look for straws made from a material like borosilicate glass that's more shatter-resistant.
- Bamboo: Reusable straws made from bamboo are completely biodegradable, making them especially sustainable. Like glass, they're lightweight and have a smooth mouthfeel, however, they can have a slight woody taste. And if you want a bent straw, you'll need to choose another material — these only come stick-straight.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
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Eye-Catching Designs Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles
The company sells a range of eco-friendly items like leggings, rash guards, and board shorts that are made using recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. There are currently 16 causes represented by distinct marine-life patterns, from whale shark research and invasive lionfish removal to sockeye salmon monitoring and abalone restoration.
One such organization is Get Inspired, a nonprofit that specializes in ocean restoration and environmental education. Get Inspired founder, marine biologist Nancy Caruso, says supporting on-the-ground efforts is one thing that sets Waterlust apart, like their apparel line that supports Get Inspired abalone restoration programs.
"All of us [conservation partners] are doing something," Caruso said. "We're not putting up exhibits and talking about it — although that is important — we're in the field."
Waterlust not only helps its conservation partners financially so they can continue their important work. It also helps them get the word out about what they're doing, whether that's through social media spotlights, photo and video projects, or the informative note card that comes with each piece of apparel.
"They're doing their part for sure, pushing the information out across all of their channels, and I think that's what makes them so interesting," Caruso said.
And then there are the clothes, which speak for themselves.
Advocate Apparel to Start Conversations About Conservation
Waterlust's concept of "advocate apparel" encourages people to see getting dressed every day as an opportunity to not only express their individuality and style, but also to advance the conversation around marine science. By infusing science into clothing, people can visually represent species and ecosystems in need of advocacy — something that, more often than not, leads to a teaching moment.
"When people wear Waterlust gear, it's just a matter of time before somebody asks them about the bright, funky designs," said Waterlust's CEO, Patrick Rynne. "That moment is incredibly special, because it creates an intimate opportunity for the wearer to share what they've learned with another."
The idea for the company came to Rynne when he was a Ph.D. student in marine science.
"I was surrounded by incredible people that were discovering fascinating things but noticed that often their work wasn't reaching the general public in creative and engaging ways," he said. "That seemed like a missed opportunity with big implications."
Waterlust initially focused on conventional media, like film and photography, to promote ocean science, but the team quickly realized engagement on social media didn't translate to action or even knowledge sharing offscreen.
Rynne also saw the "in one ear, out the other" issue in the classroom — if students didn't repeatedly engage with the topics they learned, they'd quickly forget them.
"We decided that if we truly wanted to achieve our goal of bringing science into people's lives and have it stick, it would need to be through a process that is frequently repeated, fun, and functional," Rynne said. "That's when we thought about clothing."
Support Marine Research and Sustainability in Style
To date, Waterlust has sold tens of thousands of pieces of apparel in over 100 countries, and the interactions its products have sparked have had clear implications for furthering science communication.
For Caruso alone, it's led to opportunities to share her abalone restoration methods with communities far and wide.
"It moves my small little world of what I'm doing here in Orange County, California, across the entire globe," she said. "That's one of the beautiful things about our partnership."
Check out all of the different eco-conscious apparel options available from Waterlust to help promote ocean conservation.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that much like recent efforts to ban plastic straws and plastic bags, balloons could similarly be on the way out as the general public becomes more environmentally conscious.
"The issue of straws has really broadened the marine debris issue," Emma Tonge of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told the AP.
Recently, South Carolina's Clemson University decision last month to end its 30-year football gameday tradition of releasing 10,000 balloons into the air. Earlier this year, New Shoreham, an island town in Rhode Island, outright banned the sale, use and distribution of balloons.
Releasing balloons is not just an environmental problem, it could also be illegal. States such as California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia as well as a number of U.S. cities already have laws that restrict launches.
Balloons are usually made of latex, which is considered biodegradable. However, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) pointed out on a web post that it can take months or years for the rubber to break down, meaning animals have plenty of time to come in contact with the debris.
"There's an awful lot of confusion over balloons especially what they're made of and how they break down," said MCS Pollution Campaigns Officer Emma Cunningham in the post. "Some people believe that because latex is natural balloons made of it are harmless once let go. This just isn't the case. Latex may last for up to four years in the marine environment."
Balloons made of other materials such as Mylar can last even longer in the environment because they are made of plastic, which never fully degrades. Not only that, California's Pacific Gas & Electric reported that metallic balloons caused 203 power outages in the first five months of 2018, up 22 percent from the year prior, according to the AP.
Even the Balloon Council, which represents retailers, distributors and manufacturers, established "Smart Balloon Practices" to educate consumers on the proper handling of balloons and to stress the importance of never releasing helium-filled foil balloons.
In 2015, U.S. Fish and Wildlife posted an article that advocated for alternatives to balloon releases and included photos of balloon litter impacting wildlife, including a bird strangled by a balloon string and a dead sea turtle that ingested a balloon.
"The pictures are hard to look at," the post states, "but they make clearer than any words why we all should find alternatives to letting a balloon go."
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"Engaging our accounts and our consumers in the reduction of single-use plastic is a critical next step in helping to put an end to plastic pollution," Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility for Bacardi Rick Wilson said in the announcement. "Single-use plastic items are among the most collected pieces of trash in our oceans, and we are urging our consumers to add 'No plastic straw, please' to every drink order so together we can make impactful change."
The initiative will kick off in London this summer, with a goal of eliminating 50 million plastic straws from the UK capital, Bar Magazine reported.
Bacardi will commit to removing plastic straws from all of its branded events, music performances and the Bacardi Rum Truck and to using biodegradable cups at all UK events. It will also donate the ticket sales from its Casa Bacardi music events in London, Manchester and Birmingham to Lonely Whale's Strawless Ocean initiative.
To promote the campaign launch, the team has commissioned a series of illustrations showcasing the impact of plastic straws on marine life by London artist Sarah Tanat Jones, according to Bar Magazine.
In the fall, the campaign will cross the ocean to North America, where Bacardi will promote it at all of its music events.
Both Bacardi and Lonely Whale have a history of leading in the movement to clean the world's oceans.
"In 2016, Bacardi led the drinks industry with the first #NoStraws campaign focusing on eliminating single-use plastic straws from its cocktails. In 2017, Lonely Whale amplified this early leadership, creating one of the most celebrated global movements around the single-use plastic straw with our Strawless Ocean initiative to remove 500 million plastic straws from the U.S. waste stream," Lonely Whale Executive Director Dune Ives said in the announcement. "Now in 2018, we celebrate the combined power of Bacardi and Lonely Whale to reduce the single-use plastic straw population by one billion by 2020 in what we believe will become one of the most impactful environmental campaigns of this decade."
The campaign will spread to locations around the world. In Bermuda, where Bacardi is headquartered, the brand is offering trainings to distributors and on-site locations in alternatives to plastic straws. Bacardi will promote alternatives to cocktail straws at partner chains and locations across the U.S. The pair will also focus on promoting strawless options with 10 hospitality industry leaders in China.
Any bar fly or bar owner who wants to join the push to make sure #thefuturedoesn'tsuck can pledge support as either an individual or a venue at https://www.thefuturedoesntsuck.org.David Suzuki: Straws Suck https://t.co/N4uNMjzeDE @savingoceans @PlasticPollutes— EcoWatch (@EcoWatch)1500498913.0