Why PLA Straw Is A Safer Alternative?
Whether for legislation purposes or conservation efforts, a wide range of brands are switching from plastic to a sustainable alternative, often PLA, that’s less dangerous compared to all other alternatives.
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges of this time. Restaurants and venues all over the world are combating plastic pollution by eliminating plastic straws. Recently many brands have eliminated the usage of plastic straws, and many brands have completely banned them.
This biodegradable PLA straw compostable is often made from plants that can easily break down in the environment. They are made from naturally occurring materials and renewable resources like sugarcane and cornstarch. While plastic is typically a better alternative, it isn’t known to be the most environmental-friendly option. Since a wide range of consumers and business owners aren’t aware of the facts about PLA straws, outlined are the truths about PLA straws that you need to consider before you make the switch.
Truth1: PLA straws usually require industrial composting conditions that means consumers and businesses usually have access to a commercial compost facility, which is only available in various parts of the world. For PLA straws to compost, various temperatures are needed for routing the specialized industrial composting. Few facilities are needed for breaking down the PLA straws.
Truth2: It’s next to impossible to decompose the PLA straws like traditional plastic straws. Disposing of any type of plant-based plastic straw isn’t different than throwing away a regular plastic straw. Plastic straws cannot be decomposed in a landfill. Like other plastic straws, they are hazardous if they end up in our waterways and oceans. Since they don’t break down here, PLA straws are as likely to be consumed by wildlife and fishes, ultimately endangering and killing them.
Truth3: Consumers don’t know the difference. The issue with these straws is people usually misunderstand and think it’s an environmentally-friendly product, however, it is unable to be disposed of properly.
Truth4: While PLA straws are highly compostable, they cannot be mixed with other types of plastic because it has a low melting temperature that causes problems at a myriad of recycling sectors.
What options do you have for a greener planet?
If you’re looking for the most sustainable choice for a greener planet, then it’s recommended that you shouldn’t be using any straw at all. Of course, straw is needed for a plethora of purposes for sipping the beverages and soft drinks, so in certain cases, reusable straws like glass or stainless steel are recommended. These might be an option for personal use only, but it’s not for food services due to various sanity and safety concerns. Other options like avocado straw, noodle straws, pit straws might cause various problems as well like allergic reactions that might have an unfavorable texture and taste.
Paper straws are the best option when it comes to foodservice and venues because they are an environmentally safe paper straws option that causes no harm to the people in neither environment.