Suggesting that stainless steel is good for the environment may sound a  bit misleading as if there is a benefit to putting stainless steel into the environment. The actual benefit of using stainless steel straws versus other options is the tradeoff.

Manufacturing stainless steel straws, like other straw alternatives, still consumes natural resources and requires energy to produce, transport, and distribute to the end consumers. The big difference comes into play when you consider the reusability of stainless steel straws compared to other single-use and reusable alternatives.  Stainless steel drinking straws can literally last years. They are easy to maintain, safe to use, and completely recyclable. That being said, most curbside recycling programs don’t offer recycling services for stainless steel because of an inability to crush it into bricks for processing. Stainless steel can be collected at steel and metal recycling facilities; you can look for a drop-off near you if you want to get rid of some stainless steel products. Stainless steel can be recycled over and over again without degradation, which is another reason stainless steel makes a great alternative to other types of straws and products.

Unlike plastic products that end up in the landfill or oceans, stainless steel will eventually break down back into its original components, and it typically doesn’t pose a threat to wildlife or the environment. The process may take up to 1,000 years due to stainless steel’s resistance to rust and bacteria.

So are stainless steel straws good for the environment? The simple answer is they don’t harm the environment like other straw alternatives, especially plastic products, do. They are very durable, bacteria-resistant, toxin-free, and come in many different sizes. Check out some of our stainless steel drinking straw options.