Our stainless steel products
The history of the straw: a short digression
Whether as a drinking aid for small children, in the morning with their favorite coffee or in the evening with a chic cocktail: drinking straws have become standard and it is difficult to imagine our everyday life without them. Especially in gastronomy they have a permanent place. But where does our love for straws actually come from? The origin of straws can be found among the Sumerians in southern Mesopotamia. As the name suggests, they were actually made of straw back then. They were used for drinking beer because it was assumed that the substances produced by fermentation would not be absorbed when using the straws. Already 3000 BC From the 3rd century BC, straws were made from a wide variety of materials, including gold. Ryegrass straws were around as early as the 19th century, and in 1888 Marvin C. Stein finally laid the groundwork for paper drinking straws. Gradually, however, only disposable straws were sold, creating a massive waste problem.
Environmental protection as the cornerstone for a sustainable future
By 2021, however, a large number of single-use products will be banned within the European Union. The goal is to reduce plastic pollution in the world's oceans and thus declare war on environmental pollution. It is clear that products made of plastic contribute to massive pollution of our environment with waste. The mountains of rubbish are also growing so rapidly because it takes a long time for plastic to decompose. It takes an incredible 500 years for our planet to rid itself of a plastic straw. According to the European Union, by 2050 there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish if nothing is done to get the masses of litter under control. In addition to the ban on single-use products, it has now been decided that at least 30 percent of newly manufactured plastic bottles must be recycled. Exceptions should continue to apply to the medical sector.
How the garbage in the oceans damages our environment
The ban on single-use products affects, for example, cotton swabs, Plastic dishes and stirrers. With the decree, the universally used plastic straws made of polypropylene or polyethylene are now a thing of the past. You can see that there is a reason for this if you take a closer look at the numbers. Around 80 percent of the litter in our oceans is plastic waste. This is said to be around 8 to 10 million tons of plastic disposed of every year. Most of the garbage, around 70 percent, sinks directly to the seabed and cannot be seen on the surface. Disposable straws make up a whopping 1 in 7 pieces of litter found on shorelines. In addition to straws, plastic food packaging and plastic bottles are also found particularly often. Parts of the plastic straws have even been found in the stomachs of fish and other sea creatures. It's bad enough that the straws are found in the animals' stomachs. In turtles, however, they were not only discovered as part of the stomach contents; due to their surface, the straws can also get stuck in the nostrils of the defenseless animals. In Germany alone, around 40 billion plastic drinking straws are used - every year. That is about 1.3 drinking straws per inhabitant per day. Worldwide there are 3 billion disposable straws that are used and disposed of every day. If all goes well, they end up in the trash. Often, however, unfortunately, in our environment and in the sea.It is assumed that by doing without disposable straws, 25,000 tons of plastic waste can be prevented in Germany every year
The harmful effects of plastic on CO2 emissions
By now we know that all the plastic waste is damaging and weakening the earth. The large amounts of plastic are partly responsible for the increased CO2 emissions. The garbage in our oceans in particular is a major problem. Due to the large amount of plastic waste, the oceans are less and less able to bind carbon dioxide. Researchers were able to determine that organic compounds dissolved in plastic in the oceans have a stimulating effect on bacteria. Although this process is reduced again by UV radiation, it can be assumed that the amount of plastic waste will continue to increase in the coming years, possibly even tenfold. As a result, the bacteria would be stimulated to such an extent that it would have a massive impact on the natural carbon cycle in the oceans.
The problem with polypropylene
Plastic straws are usually made of polypropylene and should actually be recyclable. But there is a problem, because the responsible recycling machines can only collect the drinking straws with difficulty. But that's not all: the plastic straws clog the machines, can even destroy them and hinder the entire recycling process. To avoid damage, those responsible dispose of them in landfills or incinerators. The drinking straws are often blown into nature by the wind and then end up on the beaches or directly in the sea. Once in the water, they are carried further out into the ocean, polluting our seas and ending up as food in the stomachs of animals. In addition to polluting the seas with plastic straws, polypropylene also brings with it another major problem: crude oil production. Polypropylene is based on petroleum, which as we know is a finite resource. More than 15 billion liters of crude oil are extracted worldwide every year, which has already led to a large number of environmental disasters in the past. The extraction of the raw material is extremely complex and also dangerous, and problems often arise. Regularly occurring accidents and leaks pollute the oceans and the air we breathe.
Sustainable alternatives to plastic straws
To avoid new mountains of rubbish, may Catering establishments etc. use up their remaining stock of disposable straws. But then it's time to steer clear of single-use plastic and find a sensible replacement. Wherever possible, products should be selected that are manufactured in a way that conserves resources, i.e. requires as little water and energy as possible. In addition, reusable, durable straws should be purchased instead of disposable products. Although paper straws are a little more sustainable than plastic straws and are clearly to be preferred, they can usually only be used once. This again produces waste and requires a lot of resources, which does not correspond to the principle of sustainability. Fortunately, there are now a variety of sensible and sustainable alternatives. Going plastic-free is not only necessary, it's also easy. In addition to reusable drinking straws made of bamboo, glass or silicone, there are now also straws made of edible materials. Pasta lovers can rejoice at this point: Wisefood now even has macaroni pasta straws. Drinking straws made of stainless steel are also particularly popular.
Stainless steel straws: the best choice in terms of sustainability
Stainless steel straws are a purchase for eternity, so ecologically particularly valuable Usually can because they are used infinitely often, they are practically indestructible. Should you ever want to buy new ones, stainless steel straws can either be disposed of in the residual waste or at a recycling center. Residual waste is okay because it is checked for metallic objects with the help of a magnet before processing. The recycling center is still to be preferred if possible. So if you are looking for a sustainable alternative to disposable straws, the Wisefood straws from Wisefood are the right choice. Even at first glance you can see that they already fulfill the top principles of sustainable drinking straws: they are reusable and durable. They can also be used in a variety of ways. Thanks to their rounded edges, they are as safe as possible and can also be used as drinking aids for children. They also provide a much more pleasant mouthfeel than, for example, cardboard straws. In contrast to many other drinking straws made of stainless steel, they are tasteless. It doesn't matter whether you use it for your morning coffee or an evening drink: you won't detect any unpleasant aftertaste. It is also particularly pleasing that the stainless steel adapts to the temperature of your drink. This is especially useful in the summer when you want to cool down with a refreshing drink. You don't have to worry about splinter damage, as with glass drinking straws. If you drop your stainless steel straw, one thing happens, namely nothing. Cleaning the straws is just as easy. A special, extra robust brush is included with the straws. You can also simply and easily put them in the dishwasher with the rest of your dishes. An additional plus: even the cleaning brush is dishwasher safe. Straws made of stainless steel are also ideally suited for gastronomy, for which the use of straws is part of everyday business. They are sterilized by the heat in the dishwasher, so they are absolutely hygienic and can be handed out to guests without hesitation. Water spots on stainless steel are normal after cleaning. They are not a disadvantage, but a bit annoying for some. Visually demanding people can avoid the water stains by polishing the straws with a cloth after washing them. Since avoiding plastic is fully in line with Wisefood's mission, a plastic-free cover was also selected for the straws. The straws are supplied in an eco-friendly, recyclable fabric bag. In this, the drinking straws can not only be stored, but also easily transported. So you can also use them on the go and make a further contribution to waste avoidance. Wisefood's Stainless Steal Straws are made entirely of high-quality stainless steel, which is 100 percent rust-free. In addition, they are BPA-free. Why is this so important? BPA is a harmful plasticizer that can have harmful effects on the hormone system, especially in children. The straws can be bought via Wisefood in the desired quantity. A set of 12 contains 12 pieces, each containing five straight and five curved drinking straws. The scope of delivery also includes a brush for cleaning the straws and a fabric bag for storage.
Durable, sustainable, good: a summary
In summary, it can be said that drinking straws made of stainless steel have a lot of advantages.Compared to other sustainable straws, they are clearly the most durable and resistant variant for both private use and catering. They also stand for maximum safety thanks to their rounded edges and are ideally suited for all drinks due to their neutral taste. They are shatterproof, easy to clean and easy to transport. Since they are BPA-free, you are also safe from health risks and can even serve them to children with a clear conscience. Of course, the most important aspect is sustainability, and that is clearly given here. If you choose stainless steel straws, you are not only making an economic decision with your purchase, but also an ecological one. With every straw made of stainless steel, an important step is taken towards a sustainable, environmentally oriented future. Free from plastic waste on our shores and in the stomachs of defenseless animals like turtles. Of course, it can still happen that straws made of stainless steel have to be disposed of at some point. Since they are recyclable, it is best to go to a recycling center in this case.
Together in a world without plastic
You want to do something to protect the environment and Is that why you chose sustainable stainless steel straws? Very good. But there is still a lot to do in the fight against plastic products. Tell your family and friends about your experience with your durable alternative to plastic straws and convince them to take a step towards a future with less plastic waste together.
Together with Wisefood into a future without plastic
Wisefood, the brand behind the sustainable solution in the fight against plastic straws, belongs to Wisefood. Wisefood is a young Munich company that has made the fight against plastic its declared goal. What was originally a student project has now grown into a successful company with over 500,000 customers. Wisefood can look back on a number of successful crodfunding campaigns and television appearances. In addition to her appearance on the VOX show "Die Höhle der Löwen", Wisefood has already been reported on in "Galileo" and the ARD lunchtime magazine. Wisefood's mission is to replace 1 billion plastic straws with its sustainable alternative by 2022. The company has already achieved a milestone: Wisefood has managed to replace several million disposable drinking straws with its products in over 20 countries. In addition to straws, plastic dishes and cutlery are now to be replaced by sensible alternatives made from sustainable raw materials. You can get to know and buy Wisefood products online or in over 5000 branches of well-known retailers such as ALDI, REWE or EDEKA.
Sources:
https://kurier.at/freizeit/essen-trinken/eu -ban-of-plastic-straws-from-which-we-from-jetzt-schluerfen/401429988
https://www.stern.de/en/enjoyment/drinks/reusable-straws--8- alternatives-in-test-8815308.html
https://www.halm.co/pages/reusable-straws-in-comparison
https:// www.greenpeace.de/themen/endlager-umwelt/plastikmuell/klimakiller-kunststoff
https://www.br.de/radio/bayern1/strohhalm-100.html
https://www.derstandard. at/story/2000078132094/plastic-stimulates-bacteria-in-the-sea