Plastic Swap--Drinking Straws

I'm not sure what it is about kids and straws, but a drink becomes so much more exciting when there is a straw involved.

The least wasteful option is of course to forego the straw altogether. I've done this successfully at restaurants, though it always confuses the waitstaff.



One option we have been using lately is the paper straw.

The plastic version is blue and green on the left, the paper is a fun purple and white stripe.


Paper is still an energy- intensive thing to make, but at least it will biodegrade and it comes from a renewable resource. The straws above easily last submerged in a drink for 2 hours or so. The plastic versions always seem to have holes, rendering them useless, but we have never had that issue with a paper straw.


There are glass straw alternatives, but I personally can't see trying that until my children are much older.


And paper straws come in so many beautiful varieties! Here are a few lovelies I saw on Etsy:


A pink themed multi-pack

Cow Print

Birch Bark

Patriotic Red White and Blue (with stars)

Floral

Stripes in every color you can imagine!



If you're going to use straws, especially for a party, why not use paper and choose a print that makes your table scape stunning at the same time?! If they come in a paper box, even better (it never hurts to ask, especially with Etsy sellers who are usually very accommodating with packaging requests).



Just think of how exciting your morning OJ can be with one.