Plastic straws have become a point of contention. Many cities and states have banned them because they end up in landfills, city streets (and sometimes even in sea turtles’ nostrils). But the bans have received a lot of pushback, and reusable straws aren’t as ubiquitous as they could be.
Frankly, that’s because reusable straws are more inconvenient than the plastic ones you get from a coffee shop and toss with the cup: Metal or glass straws can be annoying to carry, hard to clean, and require a special brush to scrub inside.
[Image: Green One Lab]A new reusable straw corrects a key design flaw found in most reusable straws currently on the market. The straw, called One Bubble Straw, has a seam running from top to bottom that can be opened for easy cleaning. Once you’ve cleaned it using a standard sponge—or even just a paper towel—it rolls back into place.
Reusable straws that roll open or snap apart do exist elsewhere, but it’s unclear whether they’re made from recyclable plastic, as Green One Lab’s is. Plus, they tend to be more expensive: Similar silicone straws cost about $15 on Amazon. This one is about $6, which makes it easier (and cheaper) to be a more eco-conscious consumer.
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