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Post by Lexica on Feb 3, 2019 2:15:37 GMT
We recently had a thread talking about the number of plastic straws and problems caused by the copious amount of them in our waste and ending up in the ocean. I have used a stainless steel straw at home for a few years now, but wouldn’t really want to take it with me. After reading about the sheer number of straws used each day, I decided to check Amazon to see what they had in the way of portable straws that I would be willing to use and cart along with me. I found one and ordered it. I am really impressed with them and the neat little carrying case they come in. I bought a two-pack because it was not much more money than the price of a single. I tried them out at home and I am comfortable enough to start caring one of these in my purse when I go out for a meal, or even to eat at a friend’s house. I am addicted to using a straw, so now I can feel good about never being the cause of another bit of plastic ending up in our oceans or landfills. The exterior of the straw is stainless, but the interior is a medical grade tubing that seems to be flexible yet strong enough. I didn’t detect any weird taste when I tried them out at home. The straw and cleaning tool fold up neatly into a little case that will be added to my keychain of goodies in my purse like my plastic bag holder for puppy leavings, my pepper spray, tape measure, etc. Here is a link for anyone interested.
Portable straws |
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Post by padresfan619 on Feb 3, 2019 2:17:27 GMT
Very cool! I added a set to my wish list. I use stainless straws at home and work and have gotten used to not getting one while I’m out. I much prefer stainless or silicone over paper straws.
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Post by VanC on Feb 3, 2019 2:56:26 GMT
I gave reusable straws and pipe cleaners to my friends for Christmas this year. Everyone got different colours and I got to share one of my favourite new things.
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Post by Basket1lady on Feb 3, 2019 3:00:44 GMT
I just use a regular ole plastic straw. I have a lot of pockets in my purse where it fits perfectly. I only drink lemon water when I’m out, so I just shake it off and tuck it into the pocket. I have a brush for cleaning out our Camelback tubing. Then back into my purse it goes.
I keep thinking I’ll make a fabric sleeve for it, but this works just fine. And it’s free!
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Post by Katiepotatie on Feb 3, 2019 3:05:43 GMT
Cool! I purchased silicone straws and then folded them into a toothbrush holder from Target. I keep some in my purse and some in my car. The Kleen Kanteen stainless straws with silicone tips also fit into the Target toothbrush holders.
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Post by worldwanderer75 on Feb 3, 2019 5:06:00 GMT
Cool! Thanks for sharing! I bought bamboo flatware + a straw for our entire family and we take them when we eat out at places that use disposable products. People look at us like we're crazy but I'm proud of our small effort (though plastic silverware and straws for a family of 6 creates a lot of waste!)
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Post by Lexica on Feb 3, 2019 5:30:01 GMT
Cool! Thanks for sharing! I bought bamboo flatware + a straw for our entire family and we take them when we eat out at places that use disposable products. People look at us like we're crazy but I'm proud of our small effort (though plastic silverware and straws for a family of 6 creates a lot of waste!) I bow to your planet-preserving efforts! You are awesome. I bet most of the people looking at you are thinking - Darn, why didn’t I think of that! I actually have a set of bamboo flatware that came with one of my lunch bag sets that I used to use for the office. I am sure it is packed by now, but when I eventually locate it, I’m going to emulate you! I bet the dish washers love you too. Imagine if we all started doing this. |
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Post by cawoman on Feb 3, 2019 7:37:51 GMT
Lexica, I too use a straw always. I’ve been using a stainless steel one for a few years. One of my friends just gave me one that’s in a cloth bag along with a cleaner. I’m keeping it in my purse. I think I’ll add some bamboo flat ware to my list. I don’t usually eat at places that have plastic but I hate eating with it if so.
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Post by Jockscrap on Feb 3, 2019 8:29:02 GMT
I use silicone straws and find them good to use and very easy to clean. The ones I have are quite wide so ideal for smoothies, but if I’m using them with a thinner liquid, you can sort of squash them in your mouth a bit to slow down the flow.
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Post by Just Beth on Feb 3, 2019 9:09:01 GMT
I’ve been eyeing these so thank you for the recommend! I support the straw free/compostible straw movement but I loathe the way the paper straws feel in my mouth and I’m a messy drinker lol.
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michellegb
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Post by michellegb on Feb 3, 2019 10:29:18 GMT
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve been thinking of getting one and I love that these fold and have a case. I’m ordering a set for me and DH. Thanks to worldwanderer75 I’m going to get us the bamboo dinnerware too! I like that there are sets that include chopsticks as well. I truly believe every little bit helps. I’ve kept real silverware and mugs/glasses at work for years. Now I can do what I can while I’m eating out too. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2019 11:13:59 GMT
I had stainless straws and despised them. Bought the tips, and still despised them. I finally found straws I LOVE and exclusively use. I don't eat out enough to take one with me so using a disposable every now and then is fine for me. I only drink out of straws, and the majority of the time I have my drink with me so I am using my FUN reusable straws that I love and are dishwasher safe. Here are my straws. I could put one in the bottom of my purse. That would work for me.  www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM9STWU/ref=twister_B07145SBPV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 |
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J u l e e
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Post by J u l e e on Feb 3, 2019 12:54:43 GMT
I don't love the stainless or silicone straws at all. I bought the ones @patter linked and love them. I have some in my purse and in my car and just remember to switch them out to wash and replace. It took almost no time to form that habit. Off to buy some bamboo flatware. Thank you for the suggestion worldwanderer75! |
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Post by evnimom on Feb 3, 2019 13:29:18 GMT
I had stainless straws and despised them. Bought the tips, and still despised them. I finally found straws I LOVE and exclusively use. I don't eat out enough to take one with me so using a disposable every now and then is fine for me. I only drink out of straws, and the majority of the time I have my drink with me so I am using my FUN reusable straws that I love and are dishwasher safe. Here are my straws. I could put one in the bottom of my purse. That would work for me. www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM9STWU/ref=twister_B07145SBPV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1What about the stainless do you not like? I bought a ton of plastic straws from a wholesale store ages ago. I bought a set of stainless right after that. I want to use up the plastic before I start using the stainless. I still have a lot of straws left so I'm anxiously waiting to start using the stainless. I have those straws you linked on my amazon wish list for over a year. I'm wondering if I need to just put those in my cart. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2019 13:40:40 GMT
I got one as a promo at a conference. Love it.
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Post by idahopea on Feb 3, 2019 13:42:32 GMT
I have the same straws as Patter too. They work really well and can go in the dishwasher. I just put mine in the silverware basket. They come really long so they fit in tall glasses/water bottles, but are easy to cut to make shorter. There are enough different colors in the bag that each family member can have their own color. I use the same glass all day so it's easy to see which one is mine because it has the red straw. It cuts down on glasses getting mixed up so there are less dishes to wash as well.
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naby64
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Post by naby64 on Feb 3, 2019 15:14:04 GMT
I have the stainless, which I do really like, and the cute plastic ones that @patter linked. I split that pack with DD. She loves them. I keep thinking I need to sew up a little pouch to carry them as it isn't until I sit down somewhere that I think "dang, wish I had my straws". I have to remind DH to not bring home straws when he picks up a drink for me.
I am off to look at the straws linked. I had a friend suggest a little collapsable straw last week with a case. It looks like that might be the one linked. It's the universe telling me to just go ahead and order that one.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2019 16:14:23 GMT
I had stainless straws and despised them. Bought the tips, and still despised them. I finally found straws I LOVE and exclusively use. I don't eat out enough to take one with me so using a disposable every now and then is fine for me. I only drink out of straws, and the majority of the time I have my drink with me so I am using my FUN reusable straws that I love and are dishwasher safe. Here are my straws. I could put one in the bottom of my purse. That would work for me. www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM9STWU/ref=twister_B07145SBPV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1What about the stainless do you not like? I bought a ton of plastic straws from a wholesale store ages ago. I bought a set of stainless right after that. I want to use up the plastic before I start using the stainless. I still have a lot of straws left so I'm anxiously waiting to start using the stainless. I have those straws you linked on my amazon wish list for over a year. I'm wondering if I need to just put those in my cart. A number of things I do not like about the stainless. 1. The metal in my mouth drove me insane. Ick, ick, ick. 2. They were way too cold. I like tons if ice, and these things got incredibly cold. 3. The diameter was too small. I like a fatter straw. Wasn't worth trying to suffer. I ended up going back to disposable straws because I despised them so much. I used the disposable until I found the ones I linked. Love my little colorful straws, and they work in my Yeti and my Tervis. |
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Post by MissBianca on Feb 3, 2019 16:26:42 GMT
Our local coffee shop has the stainless steel with a silicone top.
My husband also showed me a link yesterday a place has made cutlery and straws from avacado seeds and it biodegrades in 240 days.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Feb 3, 2019 16:51:55 GMT
I too have @patter 's straws!
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Post by artisticscrapper on Feb 3, 2019 22:48:28 GMT
A couple of months ago I was in a city that requires paper straws so that’s what they gave me with my soda. The straw was just thick uncoated paper and it was soggy and completely useless in 10 minutes. Yuck. I’d be up for something I could carry in my purse to use in restaurants. For home I want to try the ones @patter linked to.
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leeny
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Post by leeny on Feb 3, 2019 22:57:13 GMT
I wonder where the metal straws are made?
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LeaP
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Post by LeaP on Feb 3, 2019 23:05:49 GMT
This is my daughter's obsession. She ordered a 10 pack and distributed them to her friends.
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Post by Lexica on Feb 3, 2019 23:21:51 GMT
What about the stainless do you not like? I bought a ton of plastic straws from a wholesale store ages ago. I bought a set of stainless right after that. I want to use up the plastic before I start using the stainless. I still have a lot of straws left so I'm anxiously waiting to start using the stainless. I have those straws you linked on my amazon wish list for over a year. I'm wondering if I need to just put those in my cart. A number of things I do not like about the stainless. 1. The metal in my mouth drove me insane. Ick, ick, ick. 2. They were way too cold. I like tons if ice, and these things got incredibly cold. 3. The diameter was too small. I like a fatter straw. Wasn't worth trying to suffer. I ended up going back to disposable straws because I despised them so much. I used the disposable until I found the ones I linked. Love my little colorful straws, and they work in my Yeti and my Tervis. @patter, your straws are really cheery! I just read the Q&A on them and like that a woman tried to bite it as a child might do and said it didn’t do any damage and didn’t crack. When I first glanced at these, my concern was cracking and splintering, as well as getting crazing marks from being in the dishwasher, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem with these straws. I’m curious how easy they are to cut since they seem so durable. Since they are a wider straw, they might work better for my morning smoothie. I have been using the stainless straws, but I make my smoothie with a frozen banana to make it really thick and creamy, but it is harder to drink with my straws. I may have to order these strictly for smoothie use. Your aversion to metal in your mouth reminded me of the concern we had with my mom being able to use the stainless straws. She had a lot of sensory issues regarding anything in her mouth. Just mentioning a wooden popsicle stick made her visibly gag. She couldn’t eat popsicles, suckers, or any food on a stick like some fair foods. Fortunately, the stainless was okay for her. I am so happy to see so many of us switching to reusable straws. ❤️🥰❤️ |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2019 23:24:40 GMT
Lexica, they are a bit difficult to cut but it can be done. I have cut down a couple for my smaller travel mugs. LOVE them, and they have held up extremely well!
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Post by birukitty on Feb 3, 2019 23:45:58 GMT
I haven't ordered any yet because I never drink through straws but last night DS treated DH and I to dinner and we went out to a local place we've been going out to for years-it's been here at least for the past 25 years. As a reminder DH and I rarely go out to eat because we've been following the whole foods, plant based diet for 5 years. Anyway, between drinks and water we ended up with 2 plastic straws and 3 plastic mini straws/drink stirrers. I asked my men to save their straws for me because I was going to take them home to recycle them (after the last thread here) and DH simply said, "Okay", and DS said, "Why do you want to bother with that?"-he's 29. DH told him "It's her thing so let her do it." I reminded DS about the plastic in the ocean and the straws going into the sea turtle's nose. DS has swam with a sea turtle before-in St. John USVI when he was 8 so he got it.
I'm planning to cut them up in small pieces (just in case) and put them in my recycling bin. It was so easy to bring them home. I just placed them in a clean napkin, wrapped them all up into it and put it in my purse.
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Post by Lexica on Feb 3, 2019 23:57:22 GMT
I haven't ordered any yet because I never drink through straws but last night DS treated DH and I to dinner and we went out to a local place we've been going out to for years-it's been here at least for the past 25 years. As a reminder DH and I rarely go out to eat because we've been following the whole foods, plant based diet for 5 years. Anyway, between drinks and water we ended up with 2 plastic straws and 3 plastic mini straws/drink stirrers. I asked my men to save their straws for me because I was going to take them home to recycle them (after the last thread here) and DH simply said, "Okay", and DS said, "Why do you want to bother with that?"-he's 29. DH told him "It's her thing so let her do it." I reminded DS about the plastic in the ocean and the straws going into the sea turtle's nose. DS has swam with a sea turtle before-in St. John USVI when he was 8 so he got it. I'm planning to cut them up in small pieces (just in case) and put them in my recycling bin. It was so easy to bring them home. I just placed them in a clean napkin, wrapped them all up into it and put it in my purse. You can use straws to hold small amounts of things for camping too. Things like salt and pepper, spices, medications, etc. just seal one end with tape or I use heat to really seal them, fill, and tape or seal the other end. It saves lots of room when packing kitchen supplies. They are also handy to protect things like a glass thermometer (I still have three of them) sewing needles, etc. I found some very small corks that fit into the straw opening well enough to stay in the bathroom drawer. |
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twinsmomfla99
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Feb 4, 2019 1:10:57 GMT
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PrettyInPeank
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Feb 4, 2019 5:43:01 GMT
Update us when you get them! |
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Post by nnnsmom on Feb 4, 2019 20:00:12 GMT
I have the same straws as Patter too. They work really well and can go in the dishwasher. I just put mine in the silverware basket. They come really long so they fit in tall glasses/water bottles, but are easy to cut to make shorter. There are enough different colors in the bag that each family member can have their own color. I use the same glass all day so it's easy to see which one is mine because it has the red straw. It cuts down on glasses getting mixed up so there are less dishes to wash as well. I have these, too. Someone suggested them here and they are great! I've cut several down, too. |
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