The Best Paper Straws for an Eco-Friendly Alternative

Plastic straws are everywhere. Americans use 500 million plastic straws every day, and too many of them end up in our planet’s oceans. In fact, plastic straws are the 11th-most-common trash item found in the ocean. This problem could be reduced by replacing plastic straws with biodegradable paper straws.

When shopping for a pack of paper straws, the following features are worth considering. First, what’s the intended use of the straw? If you will be using it to sip thin beverages like water, soda, juice, or tea, a narrow-diameter straw will work fine. Thicker beverages like smoothies, slushies, and bubble tea require wider straws. Generally, standard straws are 0.2 inches wide, smoothie straws are 0.25 inches wide, and bubble tea or milkshake straws (also called colossal straws) are 0.4 inches wide.

The second feature to consider is the number of straws you need. Paper straws come in packs ranging from 25 to 200. To keep straws on hand for sipping the occasional glass of soda, a small pack will do. If a party or holiday is coming up where guests will be sipping, buy a box with enough straws to go around.

Last, look for straws in colors or patterns you like, or that fit the theme of the event where they’re being used. The best paper straws come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and even themes.

Disposable paper straws