These Are the Best Reusable Straws (If You Care About the Sea Turtles)

I’m guessing by now you’ve seen the video of the sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck up its nose. If you haven’t, watch it at your own risk. Or take my word for it and know that it’s just terribly sad and then make every effort possible to use fewer plastic straws.

Plastic straws are currently topping the No List — right up there with plastic bags and Styrofoam. Even Starbucks is going strawless. Lately so many of my friends and coworkers have been asking me to recommend the best reusable straw, so I’ve decided to share my pick here.

The adorably named Koffie Straw is made of food-safe silicone, which when burned turns to ash that’s completely biodegradable and compostable. (But ideally, you’ll reuse it again and again.) The oval shape (instead of round) fits most cups and travel mugs; and I love that the top of the straw is slightly angled.

While there’s also a 10-inch option, I find the standard seven-inch straw to be plenty long for most medium-sized beverages I buy on the go, or the cups I have in my cabinet. In fact, I’ve also heard of people cutting the straw even shorter and sticking it into a glass of wine (but that’s a whole other post).

And because it’s made of silicone, it can be used with hot or cold beverages (plastic melts with hot liquids and metal transfers heat, which can burn your lips!). The soft silicone also means that folks who usually like to chew on their straws won’t chip their teeth (thanks a lot, stainless steel straws!). The pack of two comes with a cleaning brush, but the straws can also go in the dishwasher.

Have you switched to reusable straws? Do you have another kind to suggest? Tell us in the comments below!