Environmental Details
We know how difficult it can be to tell how much of an impact what you are buying has on the environment, and what effect switching to a more sustainable product has, so we have found out and compiled all of this information for you below.
The ecoLiving Silicone Straws replace plastic straws and are an alternative to stainless steel straws.
The straws are made from 100% premium food grade silicone, which contains no plastic fillers (you can tell if silicone contains fillers - simply pinch, twist, or pull the silicone, if it turns white then it has fillers). Silicone is made from quartz, which is found in sand and is the one of the most common minerals on Earth. The cleaning brush is made with natural plant based bristles, and the carry pouch is made from GOTS certified organic cotton.
Plastic straws are one of the most polluting types of plastic in the world. It is estimated that in the UK alone, at least 4.4 billion straws are thrown away each year. The problem is, although plastic straws are made from recyclable materials, most recycling facilities don't accept them as they are too small and flexible to go through the machinery. Many straws end up in landfill, but a large proportion also end up in the environment, where they pollute our waterways and oceans. This is why the UK government has committed to banning plastic straws later this year. For those who still like to use a straw for their drinks, a reusable straw is the way to go. They can be carried in your bag, ready to use whenever and wherever you need them. Being made from food grade silicone, they are not only more eco-friendly than plastic straws, they also don't leach chemicals into your drinks. They're also soft on your teeth, unlike stainless steel straws, so don't carry any risk of a chipped tooth, and can be easily folded up for transport.
The Straws are packaged in a recycled card sleeve.
Should you need to dispose of your straws, they can be recycled through a silicone or kitchen utensil recycling scheme such as Terracycle's Kitchen Separation Zero Waste Box. The pouch is cotton, so can be composted at home.