One of the most concerning topics of recent time is the state of the environment. Many if not all are aware of the effects of pollution in the environment, particularly with how plastic pollution affects not only the land but also the sea and air.
A common trend that many restaurants and food chains have been adapting to combat plastic pollution is switching over from plastic straws to paper ones. If you happen to own a restaurant or food stall and still use plastic straws, consider finding yourself a paper straws supplier and making the transition from plastic straws to paper straws.
While transitioning from plastic straws to paper straws might prove to be an inconvenience to you and your customers, there are several benefits, particularly to our environment, that come with using paper straws. Let’s go over some of these benefits and why you should start the gradual transition to paper from plastic.
Paper Straws are Biodegradable and Compostable
When plastic straws get placed into the recycling bins, more often than not, they usually end up in landfills or the ocean. In either scenario, the straws take many years to decompose and can adversely affect their surroundings by getting lodged into different animals’ noses or mouths.
Paper straws in comparison are completely biodegradable and can easily break down in any scenario, more so in the ocean. A paper straw only needs about 3 to 7 days to decompose as opposed to the hundreds of years for plastic to break down. This makes paper straws a safer option as they wouldn’t affect their surroundings as they would usually be gone before they can.
Paper Straws are Affordable
Since most paper straws are made from recycled paper and similar materials, it doesn’t take that much time and effort to produce a handful of them. Additionally, because many businesses and organizations are becoming more aware of the adverse effects of plastic straws and are now striving for a greener future, the demand for paper straws have risen which causes many paper straw companies to attempt to reach that demand.
Many businesses and restaurants can opt to buy paper straws in bulk for a cheaper price in comparison to plastic straws.
Paper Straws are Safer for You
One of the things you might not consider when it comes to using paper straws is the chemicals and compounds that were used to create them. Some plastic straw companies can sometimes make use of harmful chemicals for their straws to either make them more durable. The additives used for this durability usually extends the life of the plastic straw which contributes even further to litter.
Unlike plastic straws, paper straws are made with FDA approved materials. This means that the glue and ink used in paper straw production are fully tested and certified for human use and is food safe. Additionally, paper straws are more hygienic and durable as they can hold up well throughout a meal.
Paper Straws Can Come in a Wide Variety
Just like plastic straws, paper straws can also come in a wide variety of lengths, diameters and thicknesses to fit a purpose. Paper straws can not only be used for drinking simple drinks but can also be used for other treats such as cake pops, cotton candy or even balloons.
Paper straws can also come in a wide variety of patterns and colors unique to their design. Compared to the solid color most plastic straws have, paper straws can come in stripes, polka dots, hearts, stars and a wide variety of other shapes. This makes paper straws good decorations and accents for different kinds of parties. Additionally, you also have the option to customize the straw for your business such as adding your brand’s logo to the design.