Straws: Why Should We Switch to Paper Straws?

Paper Straws

Paper straws are fast replacing plastic ones in bars and restaurants up and down the country. Thankfully, even giants such as McDonalds have now made the planet saving switch, and here’s why it is so important.

Reports have estimated that in the UK, we use about 4.7 billion plastic straws each year. Where do they end up? Mostly, on the world’s beaches.

We now know that the oceans are filling up with plastic and affecting our natural environments and ecosystems.

Plastic Straws

As plastic straws are not recyclable, a single use item, they therefore contribute to what ends up in landfill or the oceans. They slowly become broken down into smaller and smaller fragments called microplastics, and these are what sea creatures ingest. Plastic straws also release toxins such as BPA (bisphenol-A) when it is breaking down. Straws are listed in the ‘top 10’ items found in beach clean-ups. Huge numbers of marine animals are being found with plastic in their stomachs. Something must be done.

Interestingly, although we are all accustomed to using a plastic straw, prior to the 1960’s, paper straws were the norm. These were invented back in around the 1880’s, but as plastic straw’s gained popularity, paper straw’s were phased out. Until recently that is, when paper has made a comeback.

Paper straw’s are gaining popularity because they are biodegradable, and therefore safer for wildlife and the environment. These small changes could have a significant impact. If you think that in America alone, 500 million plastic straw’s are used each day, imagine the global impact of eliminating these single use plastics from production.

Biodegradable Paper straws may be a little more costly than plastic ones. Having said that, the public awareness and appetite for making green changes is growing. Last October, the government made a plan to ban the distribution and sale of plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds.

From next April, only registered pharmacies will be able to sell plastic straws, meaning your paper straw will soon become the norm, and plastic will be a thing of the past. All though in the grand scheme of things, this is a scratch on the surface. It is estimated that plastic straws only account for 0.03% of plastic waste in the oceans but this little changes are what will help people start making those big decisions in managing other plastic wastes.

Loorolls.com have been championing products that are Eco-friendly including essential products like household tissue paper and kitchen rolls manufactured to the highest standard using 100% recycled products. These products are perfect for Schools, any busy workplace where footfall is at its highest, and also a perfect way for wholesalers to offer quality at an affordable price.

So why wait? Make the switch to paper today. You can open a trade account online to enjoy bulk discounts or call us on 0151 342 2111 for bigger discount on your first order.