If one word could sum up 2018, it’d be this: straws. In an effort to become more environmentally friendly, multiple fast food companies admitted they’d be willing to get rid of plastic straws. Starbucks even invented a pretty cool straw-less cup for their drinks. But for some, straws are absolutely necessary — which means that there are already a lot of environmentally safe options floating around.
One of those is the paper straw. But as expected, they kind of kill the whole experience. Plus, they get a little grody. Listen, there’s a reason why McDonald’s most commonly uses wide straws — it’s all about getting the most out of your beverage.
So, what’s a straw fan to do?
Continuously buying plastic straws in-store is an option, but it’s almost the equivalent of refusing to cut your 6-pack rings. After hearing about how tough it is on the environment, it’s almost hard to admit they’re your preference.
Luckily, one company found a way to create a straw that’s both convenient and way better for the great outdoors. And people are all about it, since it’s currently ten times over its Kickstarter goal.
It’s called the Rain Straw, and it actually slides apart to make cleaning much easier than ever before.
The straw consists of two parts that fit together for easy sipping. But one of the biggest appeals is the fact that it comes in a variety of different colors.
Because it comes apart, it makes it almost too easy to clean. And since that’s one of the most commonly known issues with a standard reusable straw, the Rain Straw is a serious breakthrough.
So really, this product is the best of both worlds. You can reduce so much waste by not using one-time plastic straws.
But you also won’t lose your appetite or lust for beverages based on how easy it is to clean. It’ll save you a ton of work in the long run.
So, how do they work? According to their Kickstarter, they’ve got a patent-pending airlock system built in to make sure your beverage goes where it’s supposed to go.
It’s also BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Finally, you can toss out those gross pipe cleaners.
Each straw is 10.5 inches long, which is perfect for your favorite drink. It can also fit into a variety of different glasses and tumblers.
I LEGITIMATELY WANT THIS STRAW BUT I THINK PEOPLE THINK IT'S AN APRIL FOOL'S JOKE BC OF THE MAIN IMAGE I'M DISTRESSED (they have a 5 pack so I wanted to split it = 3 =)https://t.co/w5N2R2g1Lr
— Hootles @ Anime Expo B11 (@Hootlesart) April 2, 2019
The gang behind the Rain Straw is so in awe of their product that they’ve done all the research possible. The product was dreamed up in October of 2018, and is expected to ship this July.
“We’ve spent the last few months designing and engineering the Rain Straw,” their Kickstarter reads. “We have already chosen our factory and have made two separate trips to their facilities in preparation for full scale production.”
Who knows what other products this one might inspire? Eventually, we’ll all need straw holders for our purses when we eat on the go. (And no, cans don’t count.)
Learn something new every day. Tonight I learned what the hole in the tab of a can of pop is for. Built in straw holder. Who knew! pic.twitter.com/KBHg2i7FjU
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) November 20, 2018
This is a small way to make a big difference. According to The Last Plastic Straw Movement, over 500,000,000 plastic straws are used daily.
Prior to last year, you might not have known how big of a problem this really was. That’s why every effort to fix the issue has been a win.
But, we all need to do our part. We can’t just let big corporations solve the problem for us.
Thus, grabbing one of these Rain Straws is ideal. And by grabbing one, you’re actually grabbing five, since they currently come in a set.
I forgot it was plastic free in Makati. Paper straw it is.
— 🐈⬛ (@raeniermart) March 31, 2019
Even if Rain Straws aren’t your thing, it’s good to know that more options are being created to help us all do a little more for the environment.
