Straws might seem like a small detail in your daily routine, but they have a big impact on both your health and the planet. At The Handmade Showroom in Seattle, we believe that thoughtful design and handmade quality can turn simple tools into everyday treasures. That’s why our glass straws and pouches for holding your straws are designed with both people and the environment in mind.
If you’ve ever wondered about the safety of your drinking straws, from what's in them to what happens after you toss them, this guide is for you.
Why Did Straws Get Banned?
The movement to ban plastic straws gained traction after growing awareness of their environmental impact. The infamous 2015 video of a sea turtle injured by a plastic straw helped spark global outrage. Since then, many cities including Seattle have enacted restrictions or outright bans on single-use plastic straws.
The problem? Plastic straws are small, hard to recycle, and frequently end up in oceans where they can harm marine life. They're also made from petroleum-based materials that don't biodegrade. The bans represent a shift toward more eco-conscious habits like choosing reusable alternatives made to last.
Shown above: our clear smoothie straws in straight and bent styles, with included cleaning brushes for easy care! Straws - Single - Smoothie Straws (Straight or Bent) by DrinkingStraws.Glass
Are Plastic Straws Okay to Use?
Short answer: not really.
While plastic straws may still be available for accessibility reasons (which is vital and valid), they’re not ideal for daily use if you're able to make a change. Here's why:
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Health concerns: Some plastic straws contain BPA or other hormone-disrupting chemicals that may leach into hot drinks.
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Environmental damage: Single-use plastics contribute to ocean pollution, landfill overflow, and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Low recyclability: Most recycling centers reject them due to their size and shape.
At The Handmade Showroom, we offer glass straws for smoothies and other drinks as a cleaner, safer, and more elegant alternative designed for reuse, not the landfill.
Can I Recycle Plastic Drinking Straws?
Technically, some plastic straws are made from recyclable materials like polypropylene (#5 plastic). But most facilities don’t accept plastic straws because they’re too small and lightweight for sorting equipment. They often fall through machinery, contaminating other recycling streams or being sent to landfills.
That means the safest and most sustainable approach is to avoid plastic straws entirely when you can. Because even if they are made from recycled materials, it doesn't mean they are made from recycled straws.
Instead, carry a reusable straw in a straw holder or fabric pouch so you're always prepared to skip the plastic.
Shown above: our reusable handmade straw pouches in vibrant rainbow hues, perfect for holding your glass straw while keeping it clean and ready to go! Pouch - Single Straw Carrying Pouch (Assorted Colors) by DrinkingStraws.Glass
What Are the Safest Straws to Drink From?
When it comes to health and environmental safety, glass and stainless steel straws are the clear winners. Here's how different materials stack up:
| Material |
People-Safe? |
Planet-Safe? |
Taste Impact |
Durability |
| Plastic |
❌ May leach chemicals |
❌ Non-biodegradable |
🟡 Can affect flavor |
🔸 Disposable |
| Silicone |
✅ Food-grade safe |
🟡 Not biodegradable |
🟡 May retain flavors |
✅ Flexible |
| Stainless Steel |
✅ Non-toxic, durable |
✅ Recyclable |
🟡 Can affect temp |
✅ Long-lasting |
| Glass |
✅ BPA-free, non-toxic |
✅ Fully recyclable |
✅ No flavor transfer |
🟡 Handle with care |
We love glass straws for their safety, clarity, and smooth sipping experience. They're especially ideal for smoothies, iced coffees, and juices—and they look great doing it.
