Split Straw

The difference in recyclability between plastic and stainless steel helps us understand why it is important to consider using alternatives to plastic. After plastic is recycled 2-3 times, its quality decreases to a point where it cannot be used anymore. This requires virgin material to be added to upgrade its quality back to a usable product. On the other hand, no matter how many times stainless steel is recycled, its quality is not lost, so there is no need to add virgin material in the recycling process. Keep this fact in mind, especially when you see labels like “recycled material.”

Not all plastics are created equal! It’s important to know that even if your plastic container has the recycling symbol, it does not mean it will actually be recycled properly.
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Here are the facts about recycling symbols, and whether your plastic items will actually be recycled!
Remember to check in with your recycling facilities if you are unsure about which items can be recycled!
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Did you know that plastics are not recycled at the rate we think? Much of the plastic we think are recycled actually end up in landfills and ocean floors. This is because recycling is a complicated process where its success is contingent upon everyone, from the product-designer, to the trash-thrower, to the waste collector, to the recycling factory worker.
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The process of recycling may not be easy to follow, but one that is important to become educated on. Continue following us to keep learning!
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How does biofilm form?
First, certain types of bacteria adhere to the surface of moist environments, such as the inside of pipes and straws. The bacteria is able to adhere by secreting a slimy, glue-like substance and continue to grow. Once a mature biofilm is formed, clumps of bacteria are released so that they can continue to adhere and reproduce, creating even more slimy layers throughout the surface.
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Stay educated to prevent possible illnesses from biofilms!
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Biofilm is a thin, slimy film of bacteria that adheres to a surface. Biofilms like to form on the inside of hard-to-reach spaces, like the moist environments found on the insides of straws. If straws are not properly cleaned, it is possible for the user to ingest these films of bacteria and develop gastrointestinal problems.
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Remember to keep this in mind the next time you clean your reusable straws!
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There’s a growing body of evidence that shows that BPA (Bisphenol A) can contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes. So it’s not only the soda you’re drinking, but the container you’re drinking it from or the plastic straw you’re drinking it with.
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How is plastic created? 🤔
Plastic production starts with the extraction of natural gas and oil. During this extraction process, millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide are emitted into the environment. Even more greenhouse gases are emitted in order turn the natural oil into usable building blocks to start the actual process of creating plastic.
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In essence, the extracting, refining, and manufacturing process involved in plastic production emits an overwhelming amount of greenhouse gases. All this contributes to the problem of global warming that we face today.
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What’s so great about stainless steel?
Stainless steel is 100 percent recyclable, making it highly attractive to be used in many applications. Also, stainless steel is not prone to corrosion, rusting, or staining with exposure to water. 🦾
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One of the many reasons why stainless steel is a smarter choice than plastic is because of its infinite recyclability. Unlike plastic, stainless steel is infinitely recyclable without any degradation to the material, making it sustainable choice. No wonder steel is North America’s #1 recycled material!
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BPA (Bisphenol A), commonly found in hard plastics, affects your body’s hormones. It can interfere with the secretion, action, function and metabolism of the signaling system in your body. Avoid being exposed to BPA by choosing alternatives to plastic.
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Did you know that an estimated 500 million straws are used each day in the US alone? According to Eco-Cycle, a non-profit organization heading the “Be Straw Free Campaign,” 500 million straws could fill over 127 school buses each day!

These plastic straws could end up in wildlife habitats, waterways, or landfills, staying for hundreds of years unable to decompose. The over-use of plastic straws definitely contributes to our current plastic pollution, so think again when you are offered a plastic straw!

Did you know that 100 tons of BPA (Bisphenol A) ends up in the environment due to plastic waste?  This can leach into your drinking water, which can affect your health. Avoid it and anything like it.