Ever since that video of a plastic straw up a sea turtle’s nose went viral, there has been a demand for reusable straws. Some companies have agreed to either phase out or entirely get rid of plastic straws in response to the demand. And some restaurants have resorted to using paper straws, bamboo straws, or even bucatini pasta [a noodle with a wide hole in it] to substitute for plastic straws. The call to ban plastic straws is part of a greater conversation about single-use plastics: that coffee cup you get from a store that comes with a plastic lid and sleeve is usually not recyclable. All that trash ends up in a landfill, and unfortunately, can also land in our oceans.
Who does the reusable straw movement leave out?
This movement that has been brewing in stores and online to rid the world of plastic straws unfortunately leaves out people with disabilities who may need to use straws. They may not have the money to purchase one with a carrying case, and don’t want to feel shamed while using a straw either. But whether you’re an eco-conscious consumer who loves using a straw for their morning smoothie, or someone who needs to use one to consume liquids, there have been tons of reusable straws on the market. From steel straws to silicone ones, straws that come with carrying cases and little brushes, you have a lot of choice when it comes to a straw.
How did we come up with this list?
We came up with this list based on the durability of the straws mentioned — it’s not very sustainable to keep buying new straws because they break, after all. We also chose them based on their ease of portability and cleaning. If you forget to put your straw in your bag because the case doesn’t clip on, or if your straw languishes by the sink because you’re too lazy to wash it by hand, it’s as good as not even having one. Ultimately people want these straws because they want to feel like they’re making a good choice for the environment, and we’re showing you the ones that will be easy to use, clean, and store, so you’ll be the most likely to use them.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT STRAW
Reusable Silicone Travel Straw
A lightweight and portable silicone straw in cute colors, with a clip-on carrying case.
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Price: $5 for one straw
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Measurements: 9.5 inches long straw, 2 inch wide case
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Material: Silicone
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Accessories: Carrying case made of plastic
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Dishwasher safe: Yes
THE OG METAL REUSABLE STRAW
The FinalStraw
The stainless steel straw that inspired many knockoffs, it folds up into a carrying case and comes with a cleaning brush.
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Price: $24.95 for one straw
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Measurements: 23 cm long straw, 2 inch wide case
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Material: Rust-proof stainless steel with a silicone inner tube
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Accessories: Carrying case made of recycled plastic and metal brush
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Dishwasher safe: No
THE BEST SILICONE-METAL HYBRID
Klean Kanteen Straw Set
A stainless steel straw with a silicone tip from the company that makes your favorite water bottle.
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Price: $19.95 for a pack of 4
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Measurements: 8.9″ long straw, .385″ wide
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Material: Rust-proof stainless steel with a silicone inner tube
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Accessories: A brush made with stainless steel and palm bristle fibers
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Dishwasher safe: Yes
BEST FOR AVOIDING TEETH STAINS
The Koffie Straw
A skinny straw that delivers liquid past your teeth into your mouth, so they won’t be stained by coffee or red wine.
BEST FOR KIDS
The GoSili Reusable Straw Family Pack
Silicone straws of varying lengths, perfect for a kid’s cup, in fun colors.
THE MOST MODULAR OPTION
The Harlov 3 Way Straw
A steel and silicone straw that comes in two pieces, so you can have two mini straws or connect them to make one longer one.
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Price: $12.70 for one straw
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Measurements: 9-inch long straws
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Material: Thick, borosilicate glass
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Accessories: A cleaning brush
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Dishwasher safe: Yes