Here are some interesting statistics.
In the U.S. alone, people use about 500 million plastic straws every day.
It’s estimated that 8.3 billion plastic straws are populating the world’s oceans.
From these statistics, you can see how much of an environmental menace, single-use plastic straws have become. Since plastic takes thousands of years to decompose, its effects on the environment are long-lasting. This affects all the organisms in the food chain – from the tiny planktons through to the gigantic blue whales.
With the increased demands for eco-friendly products, there has been the development of sustainable alternatives such as hemp plastic straws.
Here’s everything you need to know about how the use of hemp straws is forging humanity toward a more sustainable future.
What Are Hemp Plastic Straws?
Eco-friendly options such as hemp straws can be a long-lasting environmental solution to the worrying levels of plastic pollution. These straws contain bioplastic made from hemp fiber that offers the much-needed strength and durability. They don’t disintegrate quickly or leave an after taste., making them a suitable substitute to plastic straws.
Since their raw material (hemp stalks) is organic, the straws are biodegradable and thus promote a more sustainable future.
Hemp Straws vs. Paper Straws: Which is Better?
Paper straws are another environmentally friendly alternative to disposable plastics straws. But how do they compare to hemp plastic drinking straws? Which one should you choose?
Let’s compare them according to the following factors:
Production
Hemp plants take as little as 3-4 months to mature, while trees used to make paper can take up 20 years to fully grow. This means hemp products such as hemp straws can be produced in a much shorter period, and eliminate the need of cutting down trees for paper.
Constant deforestation can increase the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere by more than 30%. Furthermore, it’ll lead to the loss of habitat for up to 70% of animals and plants.
Convenience of Use
Unlike paper straws, hemp plastic straws don’t easily break, bend, or get soggy when you dip them in drinks. This makes it easy to use and more reliable. You can even clean and reuse the hemp straws, and they’ll still hold up well.
Keep in mind that when paper straws become soggy in your drink, some toxic elements may dissolve in your drink and this may lead to health issues.
Even though paper straws are more common and cheaper to produce, hemp straws are eco-friendlier, safer, and more sustainable.
How Are You Contributing to a Sustainable Future?
There’s light at the end of the tunnel. The depletion of fossil resources calls for immediate alternatives, like hemp plastic drinking straws.
Although hemp straws are an excellent choice for saving our planet, they’re still not mainstream. However, the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp cultivation and production will help make hemp products more accessible and affordable.
Start advocating for the use of eco-friendly products today!
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