For those who use straws because of mobility issues, the laws against plastic straws in recent years has been something to get used to. For years, people with paralysis, notably quadriplegia, could go to any restaurant, bar, or coffee shop and simply ask for a straw. This is now no longer the case, as several cities and states have now banned plastic uses straws in public facilities. Some of these cities include Seattle, Washington, DC, Oakland, California, and Fort Myers, Florida.
While this is great for the environment, it is not good for those who rely on straws to drink independently. Starbucks, one of the largest coffee shops in the world, is going to sell fewer straws than ever before starting October 1st. Straws will only be available in drinks with whipped cream. They’ve already stopped providing straws in several drinks in the last couple of years.
For those with quadriplegia or anyone with mobility issues, especially those who live in cities where plastic straws have been banned, they’ve had had to get creative. Many people have purchased reusable straws that they keep with them when going out, such as metal straws like this one. These work great and can be washed and reused indefinitely.
There are times however when you forget to bring your straw with you, and the lack of straws, wherever you are, maybe nonexistent. You will need to make a habit of bringing a reusable straw with you whenever you go out to avoid this from happening. And Starbucks is just the beginning. While they are one of the first nationwide restaurants to go nearly straw-free, they will not be the last. This is a fast-growing trend.
It may be hard for some to adjust to, but getting used to bringing your straw will be the new norm in years to come. And the good news is that there are several great reusable straw options for those who need one. If you want the money you put towards a reusable straw to go to a greater good, consider a metal reusable stainless steel straw from Save the Turtles (https://www.savetheturtles.ca/products/stainless-steel-straws-3-pack-rainbow?variant=20011242225761). All proceeds from these straw sales go towards saving sea turtles, which are commonly injured by plastic straws in the ocean.
A common complaint of many quadriplegics about stainless steel straws is that they are cold to the lip. A reuseable straw option that overcomes this is the Seivan straw, which has a silicone tip. You can get a pack of 8 on Amazon for $6.79. You also get two straw cleaners, which are a must, and four extra tips. Learn more https://www.amazon.com/Designer-Stainless-Reusable-Silicone-Tip-Drinking/dp/B0826V5FMQ/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2K4ZUJ6YRFD29&dchild=1&keywords=reusable+straws&qid=1600656266&sprefix=reusa%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMjE3SkVDNzNaVE1KJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDQyNTgxM1JPRktXSURORkhVTyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjMyMDQ0M1VCRzhTVzRCUFJOSyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
For a straw that comes straight from the earth and is ethically sourced, these bamboo straws called Geo Straws from Vietnam are just the thing. These straws are completely free of chemicals, dyes, and are grown without pesticides. You'll also receive a coconut fiber cleaning brush with your order. You get a pack of 5 for $7.95. Learn more https://www.geostraws.com/products/original-bamboo-straws-5-pack?variant=32171863048279¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2020-07-31&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign
A final straw we’re recommending is appropriately called the Final Straw. A bit more expensive at $20 for just one straw, the Final Straw is a unique stainless steel straw for two reasons – 1) It’s foldable and 2) It has its carrying case which makes it incredibly easy to bring with you wherever you go. Many people attach it to a keychain, on a bag, or even in their wheelchair. It also comes with the silicone tip and it has his cleaning brush. Learn more https://final.co/products/finalstraw?variant=15352984830018
While many people may find it frustrating that plastic straws are no longer readily available wherever they go, it is ultimately the best for the environment. All it takes is a little bit of change to your daily habits and you can be prepared for a plastic straw-free future.
