4 Alternatives to Soggy Paper Straws
Plastic straws may be a thing of the past and are sadly (for our sipping enjoyment) bad for the environment. Even major cities, like New York, are banning them.
The next big trend in plastic alternatives has been paper straws, which have definitely had their moment in cocktails and iced lattes over the past few years. Although, paper straws are a more sustainable option than single-use plastic and they are notorious for turning into mush after just a few minutes of being in a beverage.
Luckily, there are more options on the market than ever before. Consider discussing your straw and stirrer options with your planner or venue when you are creating your cocktail program :)
Here are four sustainable NON-plastic straws to stock your bar with:
Bamboo or Wheat Straws
Highly sustainable
Pretty, sets a beachy-tiki vibe and are fully natural!
Won’t melt in a warm or hot drink
2. Phade brand Straws
Closest to the look and feel of a plastic straw or drink stirrer!
Made of made with eco-friendly (gluten-free) materials, which means they’re 100% marine and soil biodegradable
Look for products that are labeled as BPI Certified compostable
3. BPI Certified Compostable Straws
Sturdy with lots of great options for size and color.
Made of renewable resources like polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a plant-based plastic derived from canola oil.
Look for products that are labeled as "BPI Certified Compostable"
4. No straw
Straws and drink stirrers are designed for one-time use, then immediately tossed into the trash can. Consider designing your beverage program around drinks that do not require a straw at all. You can work with your planner or the venue or caterer beverage director to design a cocktail list to make something fabulous, like a stirred drink. The bar can always keep a stash of straws for guests that make a request. You will be surprised by how little you will miss them.