With plastic, single-use straws being banned or restricted in many countries, people began searching for better, alternative types of straws. One of these kinds of straws is metal straws, an alleged better substitute for plastic straws, or are they really? Find out more facts about metal straws below.
Could Be a Safety Hazard
Although metal straws are undoubtedly much better than single-use plastic straws, they still can pose a possible health risk because of their size and rigidity. They have been known to cause injury by impaling people’s mouths and other nearby areas. It is advisable not to use metal straws while in motion, with lids and similar narrow mouths, especially with children.
Hygienic Risks
Alongside potential safety threats, metal straws (especially the stainless steel ones) are ideal spaces for bacteria and mold from leftover food particles. And no, even thorough rinsing isn’t enough to get rid of the pesky germs. The only way to truly clean them is to scrub and soak with a specialized long brush.
Environmental Threat
While metal straws were made to replace single-use plastic straws, they ironically need significantly more carbon emissions and energy to manufacture than said replacement. This means you would need to reuse a reusable metal straw in your Wynwood Grand home over 100 times or more to counter the plastic kind.
Disability Support
Disability advocacy members have long criticized bans on non-recyclable straws of various types (Such as paper or plastic substitutes). They believe that stiff straws like metal straws are vital medical aids for individuals with specific disabilities rather than tools being used for drinking.
Better Substitutes
Of course, there is always an alternative tool for plastic or metal straws. Preferred kinds of straws include soft and pliant materials (such as bamboo or silicone straws) because they are much safer, function the same way as any other straw, and even look fashionable while drinking! (Or use no straw at all!)