People have been using plastic straws for years to protect the enamel on their teeth.
But, the problem lies with the damage plastic straws are having on the environment.
Consumers are using thousands of plastic straws in search of protecting their teeth.
And considering people don’t know straws are recyclable. We can see a build-up of straws ending up in landfill sites.
Plastic straws are starting to banned in many countries, and cities all offer the world.
And this is where biodegradable straws come into the play. They offer an eco-friendly alternative that will still protect the enamel on your teeth.
Contents
What To Look For When Buying Biodegradable Straws
Material
If you’re looking for sustainability, it’s something you need to be checking out. Some paper straws are made using virgin wood, which is not good.
Length
Length is always important. You need to be able to reach the bottom of your drinks with ease, right? That’s why checking the length of the straws is essential.
Width
If your a Boba tea drinker, then looking at the diameter of the straw is equally as important as the length. If the straws to small, then chunks of fruit will block the straw.
Toxin Free
Getting rid of harmfully toxins is a big reason for people wanting to stop using plastic straws. Finding a plant-based alternative will eliminate toxins.
Quantity
Every box of straws comes with a different amount, so it’s something to check; you don’t want to be short strawed at a party. Plus, it’s easier to buy paper straws in bulk.
Colors
If you’re hosting a themed party or even if it’s just a kids party, then colored straws might be something you’re looking for. Having a wide range of colors might be the selling point.
The guarantee no one likes the feeling of losing out, and if the straw doesn’t fit your needs, then it’s nice to know you can get your money back. Just have a quick check to see what the company offers.
What Are The Best Biodegradable Straws?
I know that finding the right biodegradable drinking straws can be complicated, there’s just so many available on the market.
So, if you’re still struggling to make up your mind then don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of biodegradable drinking straws I want to share with you:
Greenprint Natural Agave Straws
These Greenprint agave-based straws contain FSC-certified plant fibers from sustainable sources. Their lack of BPAs and added PFAS means they contain no harmful chemicals.
Greenprint sources materials from waste stream generated by tequila producers, meaning these straws are not only eco-friendly, but they repurpose existing waste. Lab testing has proven these straws are readily biodegradable in landfills in one to three years, so they can be thrown in the trash and biodegrade on their own.
Considering the cost-effectiveness, these straws are worth sticking in your beverage. They can work for any drink, hot or cold, and they even come in a size designed specifically for Boba.
Greenprint’s straws are great options for restaurants or at-home use, as they come in bulk sizes and 50-piece packs.
GREENPRINT 2000 Individually Wrapped Agave Fiber Straws Alternative to Plastic Straws & Paper Straws, Plant-Based (Natural 7.75, 2000)
Key Features
- Different pack sizes, ranging 6mm-10mm in length and diameter
- Wrapped or unwrapped presentation
- No PFAS added
- Natural and organic pigments
- Four cases with 500 straws each
One customer said these agave straws last all day in a hot or cold beverage without getting soggy. Plus, clients enjoy hearing about their biodegradability.
Telling customers that the straws come from tequila waste streams is a terrific conversation starter. Learning about the straws’ sustainable origins improves brand image.
Another customer said Greenprint’s agave straws don’t get soggy like typical paper straws. If you don’t like paper, these straws are among the best eco-friendly options.
The straws seem to hold better than other eco-friendly products after sitting in a drink for a while. With their durability and sustainably sourced materials, Greenprint agave straws are a great swap for single-use plastic.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy | Only one color |
| BPA and PFAS free | More expensive than plastic straws |
| Great for thicker beverages |
| Product | GREENPRINT |
| Material | Agave, plant-based fibers |
| Length | 6-10 inches |
| Width | 6-10 inches |
| Toxin-Free | Yes |
| Smoothie Suitable | Yes |
| Quantities (Pieces) | 2000 |
| Colors | 1 |
| Guarantee | No |
| Buy | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Naturalik Paper Straws
They’re made with FDA approved food-grade paper. The straws are also BPA plastic-free and are FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council).
This means there are no harmful toxins used when being made, and comes from a sustainable source.
Their biodegradable drinking straws come in a pack of 300 and are 100% biodegradable and compostable.
The straws are 7.75 inches in length and have a width of 0.25 inches.
They claim to be great for all drinks, including smoothies; with a satisfaction guarantee, what’s the harm in giving them a try?
Key Features
- Made from FDA approved paper
- 7.5 Inches in length
- 0.25 Inches in diameter
- Comes in 4 colors
- Bulk buy option
- Pack of 300
If you’re not ready for reusable straws, then they’re a great fit. They seem to perform well with cold drinks, but with hot cups of coffee, not so much. It’s nice to see that they share my view on using sustainably sourced wood. The one bad thing for me is they look like cardboard straws.
Pros
- Biodegradable and compostable straws
- BPA Plastic free
- Comes with a Guarantee
Cons
- Coarse paper
- Can go soggy
Plasticless Flexible Drinking Straw
These PLA straws are made from 100% plant-based materials, which means no pollution and no petrochemicals.
Because they’re made from plant-based materials, there’re completely compostable, so no need to feel guilty.
The compostable PLA straws are 8.25 inches in length and have a diameter of 0.25 inches. The best thing about the plant-based straws is how sturdy they are.
They don’t get soggy like paper, and they can be reused for multiple drinks.
To make it better, no hazardous get released like plastic. It’s an excellent alternative for people that can’t stand paper.
Key Features
- Made from plant-based PLA plastic
- 8.25 Inches in length
- 0.25 Inches in diameter
- Pack of 200
- BPA free
For me, they’re great, they work perfectly, the straws don’t get soggy, and they hold there shape. The one thing I’m concerned about is how much the PLA solution looks like plastic. I feel if not disposed of correctly, we could still do damage to wildlife. I suggest if you switch to PLA straws, it’s best to compost them.
Pros
- PLA plastic
- Suitable for hot cups of coffee
- Doesn’t go soggy
Cons
- Looks like plastic
Weemium Paper Straws
Their compostable straws are with an FDA approved paper, so they leave no funny taste in your beverage, whether it’s cold cups of juice or iced coffee.
No plastic is used in this product; you don’t have to worry about harmful toxins leaching into your drink.
The straws come in a pack of 200 with ten colors available, which are made under tight regulations.
They come in a length of 7.75 inches and have a width of 0.25 inches.
Their biodegradable products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not happy; they’ve got your back.
Key Features
- Made with FDA approved paper
- 7.75 Inches in length
- 0.25 Inches in diameter
- Pack of 200
- Comes with 10 Colors
For me they seem to hold up well, I also like you have a selection of colors in the pack (I just wish they had white or black). But putting my gripe aside, they do perform very well. An excellent choice if you’re unsure about converting to paper straws.
Pros
- Lasts a long time
- Multiple colors
- FDA approved
Cons
- One person claimed them to go soggy
- No black and white
World Brand Paper Straws
Their straws are made from FDA Approved unbleached paper giving the customer assurance there are no harmful chemicals in there drink.
The box of sturdy and durable straws comes in a pack of 300, which are great for shakes or cold cups of coffee.
You get a selection of 7 colors (including black or white yay), which are said to break down after 14 days.
They measure at 7.75 inches and a 1/4 inch in diameter.
The compostable straws are supposed to last for hours and considering they offer a customer satisfaction guarantee.
It’s hard to imagine they wouldn’t.
Key Features
- Made with unbleached paper
- Pack of 300
- 7.75 Inches in length
- 0.25 Inches in diameter
- 14 Days to decompose
These straws look really good, and the black and white color combo is perfect for me (there are more to choose from, don’t worry). The straws are as well, which is always a bonus. If I didn’t have a reusable straw, then I’d go for these.
Pros
- Chemical-free
- 7 Colors (including black and white)
- Customer satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- The box isn’t very secure
- Feels like cardboard
YesStraws Compostable Straws
The Straws are made from wheat straw, which adds a little talking point to the party.
And b+ecause they’re made with from organic straw, their 100% compostable.
You can say goodbye to plastic, with these clean compact, and BPA free straws.
The straws come in two lengths 5.5 inches and 7.9 inches.
But they do seem to vary in width due to them being made from straw.
You also get a choice with the quantity; you can opt for the 100 piece set or the giant 250.
Key Features
- Made from organic straw
- 5.5-7.9 Inches in diameter
- BPA plastic-free
- Pack of 100 or 250
- 100% Compostable
I like them, they’re a talking point at parties, and they’re from a very sustainable source. Obliviously they’re food-safe, so you don’t get any harmful toxins being released. If you were planning an event, these are an excellent choice.
Pros
- Made from 100% biodegradable materials
- Clean and compact
- 2 Sizes available
Cons
- Cracks easily
- Very thin
Why Use Biodegradable Straws?
Plastic straws are killing animals and building up in landfill sites, so by choosing to go for a biodegradable straw; you are directly saving animals.
But that’s not the only reason you should switch to a biodegradable straw:
Due to the ban on plastic straws, people have to find the perfect alternative, before plastic straws are banned altogether.
It’s no surprise plastic is going to get banned. A typical plastic straw is only used for 20 minutes, yet people use thousands every day. After being used, they’re careless chucked in the trash and sent to landfills.
And because they take hundreds of years to decompose, they end building up in a landfill or even worse gets picked up by the wind and blown into the ocean.
If we put it this way:
Every plastic straw you’ve ever used is still around to this day. And unless we come up with a solution, they will still be around 400 years from now.
To make it worse, If they do “decompose,” you’re still left with pieces of microplastic that end up polluting our food and the earth.
So, why should we use biodegradable straws?
- They don’t use harmful chemicals
- Most of them are compostable
- It reduces the use of plastic
- They’re safer for wildlife
- They better for the environment
So, I’m going to clear it up for you!
Are Biodegradable Straws Really Biodegradable?
The problem with the word biodegradable is, it gets chucked around to easily. For many companies, the word is only used to help them market their products, which makes it confusing for people starting their eco journey.
So, are straws biodegradable?
Mostly they are, but it does depend on what is used to make the straw. For a quick example, some paper straws are lined with plastic to help them hold there shape.
So, how can you tell if your straws are biodegradable?
One way is to do some research before you purchase anything. The second way is to look for the “Biodegradable Products Institute” (BPI) logo. Just a quick warning some straws don’t have the logo, but they are biodegradable. Your final option is to follow my guide.
How Long Do Biodegradable Straws Take To Decompose?
If I’m honest, it’s a difficult question to answer, it’s quicker than plastic straws, but that’s not hard.
They claim to take anywhere between 14 days and six months for a biodegradable straw to decompose, which is about 500 years better than plastic.
The problem is with landfill sites, the lack of oxygen makes it very unlikely anything will decompose in there. It’s just doesn’t have the right conditions.
Your best option is compost. You can control the conditions the straws are exposed too. If you don’t know what conditions you need to increase biodegradability, here you are:
- Light
- Water
- Oxygen
Summary
Before adding anything to the shopping cart, you need to think about what you need. Think about what size you’re going to need. You don’t want your straw to come short.
If you’re planning a party, maybe it’s best to choose something with a color option, or something that’s a bit of a talking point at the party. Have a look at what quantities they have to offer, running out at your party is the last thing you need.
If you’re looking to make the change, but you’re not sure about the switch, then looking for a pack of straws that has a guarantee is very beneficial.
But, if you want the best alternative to plastic/biodegradable straws, you should be looking at the best metal straws. They create the least carbon emissions.
If you like what you’ve read, don’t forget to share it with your friends, let’s create a plastic-free world together. If you have any questions or you think If I’ve missed anything comment below and I’ll get back too you.