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"… well, as with everything else there is no best answer to this question.  Let’s look at different kinds of plastic straw alternatives that are out there. \nWe can divide them into two or three categories: -reusable,  -disposable (biodegradable) and -something in between\nREUSABLE STRAWS\nSilicone straws\nProbably the most common reusable straw out there. They come in different shapes, sizes and colors making them perfect choice for kids. If you like your morning shake or yogurt however, make sure you get ones that are thick enough as these are generally soft and may suck close with thicker drinks.\nPROS:\n\nGreat for kids\nVery durable\nFun colors\nVery portable\nGreat for hot and cold drinks\n\nCONS:\n\nSoft, not good for thicker drinks\nNot as easy to clean\n\n\nStainless steel (metal) straws \nProbably most popular after the silicone ones. Metal straws are the most durable of all the reusable straws making them a great choice for travelers. They don’t require a case for travel if you don’t have one. Many people may not like the metal taste they may leave but that varies from brand to brand. If you like stainless steel straws but don’t want the aftertaste make sure you buy a set with silicone tips.\nPROS:\n\nVery durable\nEasy to clean, dishwasher safe\nGreat for hot and cold drinks\n\nCONS:\n\nOccasional metal aftertaste (depending how sensitive your taste is)\n\nGlass straws\nAre very popular option for many. Because they leave no after taste and people are already used to drink out of glass; they feel natural.  They are sturdy but require extra care when using. Not suitable for small children. They are easy to clean and are dishwasher friendly.\nPROS:\n\nAesthetic looking\nEasy to clean\nDishwasher safe\nGreat choice for hot and cold drinks\n\nCONS:\n\nNot as durable as others\n\nDISPOSABLE STRAWS\nPaper straws\nWhile these may not be best choice for everyday use, they may be a good choice for larger gatherings with lots of guests such as weddings or kids’ birthday parties. The drawback of these straws is that they don’t last very long when left in a drink. They will become soggy and pretty much useless after 20-30 min. Also, because of the thickness of the paper material they don't decompose as easily, they may get \"mummified\" in the landfill. They are however the most inexpensive and good choice if you need short term disposable straw. \nPROS:\n\nLow price point\nCome in variety of colors and designs\n\nCONS:\n\nNot long lasting when left in a drink\nNot as biodegradable as advertised\n\nHay (wheat) straws\nAre made out of the stems of wheat which makes them 100% biodegradable.  Hay straws are getting more popular because of the natural wheat stem strength and their minimal carbon footprint. Since they're not man-made each straw may have a different look.\nPROS:\n\nmade by nature (100% biodegradable)\nadds \"rustic\" look to your drink\ncan be broken or cut to size as needed\n\nCONS:\n\nbreak and split easily\nthin (may need to use 2 or more)\nnot suitable for hot drinks\n\nGrass straws\n\"New kid on the block\" made out of wild grass from Vietnam called sedge grass. Sedge grass has a hollow stem which makes it perfect for naturally grown straws. Very similar in properties to wheat straws.\nPROS:\n\nmade by nature (100% biodegradable)\ndon't get soggy as the paper straws\nadds \"rustic\" look to your drink\ncan be broken or cut to size as needed\nnicer (green) look than the hay straw\n\nCONS:\n\nthin (may need to use 2 or more)\ndon't get soggy as the paper straws\nnot suitable for hot drinks\nhave a shelf life of about 1 year (when dried)\n\nREUSABLE AND DISPOSABLE\nBamboo Straws\nAre both, reusable and disposable. Depending on the use and care each straw may last years. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant (may grow 3 feet/day) and it easily regenerates after harvest. Bamboo fibers have natural antimicrobial properties meaning they are less likely to harbor bacteria over time and be more resistant to spoiling or rotting over time. Their natural look makes them very attractive to tiki bar owners and fun overall.\nPROS:\n\nVery eco-friendly (biodegradable)\nNice natural look\nGreat for themed parties (tiki bar, etc.)\nNo strong taste alternation\nGreat for thicker drinks (shakes, yogurts, etc.)\n\nCONS:\n\nWill degrade over time\nMay not be as easy to clean as the others\nLarge diameter \n\n  With so many options out there, making the right choice can be overwhelming. I hope this article will help you to make an educated decision. If you still undecided or you'd like to try many of them EcoFreax offers a mixed pack from coupleDots. This reusable straw starter pack is designed for people like you to point you in the right direction on your zero-waste journey. "
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