Switching from plastic to other compostable</SPAN> straws is a hassle to begin with. To make it more troublesome, choosing the right material that could satisfy both your customers and save the environment poses a greater challenge. With many different eco-friendly straws being available in the market and paper straws dominating the market that many customers have no great experience with. Do you know which is the best material that could benefit both sides?</SPAN></P> <P style="text-align: left;"><SPAN style="color: #000000;"><SPAN style="font-weight: 400;">Our planet is a beautiful place where we need to protect. On the other hand, ensuring the customer experience is a priority for most businesses. Therefore, choosing the best eco-friendly straws became the most important task when switching over from plastic straws. Paper straw is one of the most popular options for business due to its cheap pricing. It is made from two main ingredients which are paper and wax that are both plants based. However, i</SPAN><SPAN style="font-weight: 400;">t softens too quickly, as they soften it is almost impossible to suck liquid through them. </SPAN>The wax and film coating on the straws makes the decomposing hard. <SPAN style="font-weight: 400;">Since this type of material soften in a fast paste it causes a negative impression to customer experience. </SPAN></SPAN></P> <P style="text-align: left;"><SPAN style="color: #000000;">To begin our journey in finding the best single used compostable straws besides paper straws, we must begin in understanding what is considered a proper plastic to a sustainable alternative, also known as PLA.</SPAN></P> <P style="text-align: left;"><SPAN style="font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">PLA biodegradable straws are made from naturally occurring plant-based materials such as sugarcane, bamboo, agave, or corn starch that can break down in the environment. With that in mind, let’s investigate the different materials that are available in the market and how it compares to paper straws.</SPAN></P> <UL style="text-align: left;"> <LI><SPAN style="color: #8dc21f;"><STRONG>Sugarcane straw</STRONG></SPAN></LI> </UL> <P style="text-align: left;"><SPAN style="font-weight: 400; color: #646464;">Sugarcane straws are made employing a sugarcane byproduct after the sugar itself is extricated. Once the sugars are extricated from refining and molasses processing the leftover pulp is then formed into a thin plant-based straw. It takes 3- 6 months to degrade naturally.</SPAN></P> <UL style="text-align: left;"> <LI><SPAN style="color: #8dc21f;"><STRONG>Bamboo straw</STRONG></SPAN></LI> </UL> <P style="text-align: left;"><SPAN style="font-weight: 400; color: #646464;">Bamboo is a long-lasting, fast-growing crop. Its fibers are naturally tubular, making it ideal to produce plant-based straws. It is both strong and flexible, resulting in a long-lasting straw that won’t crack or break easily. However, it is categorized as invasive exotic plants that crowd out native plants and threaten
How much waste has been produced in Canada? On average, Canadians generate approximately 31 million tonnes of garbage annually. In other words, each person generates 2.7 kg of garbage each day. Out of all garbage generated, only about 30 percent was recycled. As people look to get through their days in a faster and more convenient way, many non sustainable materials are being used to create products that meet the needs of consumers. The most known material is plastic, which you would be able to see everywhere you go, from supermarkets to bubble tea shops. Products that are being wrapped by plastic packaging or disposable straws are made out of plastic. All of this turns into waste by the end of the day, which harms our environment and causes climate change, endangered wildlife, and affects public health. </SPAN></P> <H2 class="p"><SPAN style="color: #8dc21f;"><B>Why should we replace plastic?</B></SPAN></H2> <P><SPAN style="font-weight: 400;">Plastic is produced for its durability and decay resistance. Many companies also use it because it is inexpensive. However, plastic is extremely wasteful and causes negative impact to the ecosystem. Since it is designed to be decay resistant, it takes up to 20 to 500 years to decompose depending on the material and structure. As many restaurants starting to do take-outs and specialty beverages become a norm in people's daily life, plastic straws usage has increased dramatically. A study done by WWF, World Wildlife Fund, shows that on average plastic straws take up to 200 years to break down! Even then, they do not fully decompose.</SPAN></P> <P><SPAN style="font-weight: 400;">In Canada, we use up to 55 million plastic straws a day, and many of them become waste that is found in our freshwater environment. Therefore, the government of Canada is taking action to bend single-use plastic by the end of 2022 as part of its zero-waste strategy. This means it is time to search for alternatives material to replace plastic straws. </SPAN></P> <H2 class="p"><SPAN style="color: #8dc21f;"><B>Other alternatives for plastic straws include</B></SPAN></H2> <UL> <LI><SPAN style="color: #646464;"><B>Paper Straws</B></SPAN></LI> </UL> <P><SPAN style="font-weight: 400;">As the news came out about the ban on plastic straws, many companies had turned to paper straws because it is the most common environmentally friendly and cheapest alternative. However, they tend to soften quickly and cause unpleasant experiences when you are enjoying your beverage. </SPAN></P> <UL> <LI style="font-weight: 400;"><SPAN style="color: #646464;"><B>Sugarcane Straws</B></SPAN></LI> </UL> <P><SPAN style="font-weight: 400;">These biodegradable and eco-friendly sugarcane straws are made out of sugarcane fiber, a rapidly renewable resource. It is more durable than paper straws, when used it is smooth like plastic and does not contain any coatings or dye as you would find in paper straws. </SPAN></P> <UL> <LI style="font-weight: 400;"><SPAN style="color: #646464;"><B>Metal Straws</B></SPAN></LI> </UL> <P><SPAN style="font-weight: 400;">Even Though they are reusable and durable, they are not biodegradable. In order to produce such products, mining for its material alone leads to air pollution. In addition, it poses a potential risk of chipped teeth if a consumer bites or misuses it.</SPAN></P> <UL> <LI style="font-weight: 400;"><SPAN style="color: #646464;"><STRONG>Bamboo Straws</STRONG></SPAN></LI> </UL> <P><SPAN style="font-weight: 400;">Derived from bamboo stalks, it is a good option for an environmentally friendly alternative. However, it can cause splinter with prolonged or rough use, leading to customer dissatisfaction or even injury. </SPAN></P> <P>Investing and protecting our planet is our priority. We should think of ways to reduce the production of waste and the use of unsustainable materials. We are starting by replacing all plastic straws with non plastic but plant-based straws that are manufactured in Canada, followed by choosing the right alternative for your business based on your customers' needs and business goals. We should work together and achieve the goal of zero waste and create a better environment for future generations.</P> <P>Curious about our product and want to test it out? For a limited time, we will ship you samples so you can "try before you buy." <A href="/pages/get-samples" title="Get free sugarcane straw">Click</A> here to get free samples.
Summer is here! With kids out of school and families planning trips to relax and have fun, there is no doubt that summer is one of the peak seasons to travel. However, with covid still lingering around, many families have moved their oversea travel plans closer to home. With activities like hiking, camping, picnicking, and visiting beaches closer to home. But did you know traveling to nearby destinations can still leave a considerable environmental footprint?
