Plastic waste has become a significant environmental threat, filling not only are landfills but also our oceans and waterways. One great way you can easily benefit the planet is by reducing or eliminating your consumption of single-use plastics. I have already done posts on the healthiest reusable water bottle options and travel mug options in addition to doing a post on reusable product switches to reduce waste. There are so many great options for reusable straws and reusable utensil sets so today’s post will help break down different alternatives. The most important thing to consider when picking reusable utensils and straws is to choose sets that you will actually use that are easy to carry with you on a routine basis.
Carrying your own reusable straw or refusing them as well as carrying a reusable utensil set for when you get food or drinks on the go is one great way for you to reduce your burden on the planet while hopefully inspiring others to do the same.
The problem with disposable plastic straws and utensils:
Americans are said to use over 500 million drinking straws every day and enough disposable utensils are thrown away each year to circle the equator 300 times. Plastic straws and utensils are harder to recycle and can take hundreds of years to break down but will always be on the earth in some form or another because plastic is not biodegradable. When plastic finally does degrade it releases toxic chemicals into the environment during the process. Disposable straws and utensils create a significant amount of the plastic pollution found in our oceans which has been responsible for killing off seabirds, torturing sea turtles, and is being ingested by the fish found on many dinner plates completing a very toxic circle of life.
Doesn’t it seem silly to use something that harmful as a onetime use product when there are so many great reusable straw and on-the-go utensil set options available?
The good news is there are companies pledging to ban plastic straw use due to it being such a global problem! Although there are people with disabilities that require straws which these companies need to accommodate, for the rest of us who just prefer to drink out of straws have even more motivation to start bringing our own reusable straws with us.
Best Options for Reusable Straws for On-The-Go Use
Stainless steel straws are known for being very lightweight and durable making them easy to take with you on-the-go. I like this set best as it has different lengths as I find shorter ones easier to take with me, you can even keep them in a cute pouch like these ones from Etsy.
For an extra compact design that folds into its own case check out this collapsible stainless steel straw that you can even attach to your keys.
If you would like a reusable straw that is biodegradable and can be composted when it is at the end of its useful life check out these bamboo straws that come with a cute carrying case. The bonus is they can also be used with hot beverages as they don’t conduct heat. I think the main con is they would be harder to keep as sanitary as the other options.
Another safe option for a reusable straw that won’t conduct heat is to use a silicone straw which also has the bonus of coming in lots of fun colors.
Best Options for Reusable Utensil Sets for On-The-Go Use
This lightweight stainless steel travel set includes a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks and 2 different straw options all packed conveniently in a washable case.
If you want to carry just the basics this compact stainless steel cutlery set comes with a fork, knife, and spoon in a silicone case with a magnetic design so they can store neatly together.
If you prefer biodegradable bamboo this set of bamboo travel utensils includes fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks and comes in a carrying case made out of recycled plastic bottles.
For an even more compact easy to carry version check out this 4-in-1 camping utensil stainless steel fork, knife, spoon, bottle opener set with storage case.
Etsy (one of my personal favorite places to shop) also has a great selection of travel utensils that come in a variety of handmade cases.
Reusable Sporks
If you would like to forgo carrying a full set of utensils with you a simple spork can usually solve most of your on-the-go dining needs and there are so many great spork options available.
You could just grab a simple stainless steel spork that comes in an extra lightweight carrying case like the ones below and choose whether you want the fork and spoon on separate ends or the same end (I personally prefer the same end).
If your preference is bamboo these sporks are available, they don’t come with their own carrying case but a simple cloth sunglasses pouch like these ones here are a great lightweight option or just stick them in the same case as your straw.
The most compact of all the spork options is going to be this titanium spork with a bottle opener that comes in its own bag.
Bonus points if you start carrying your own reusable cloths as well to reduce your paper towel, napkin, and tissue waste when out and about.
I hope showing you these different travel utensil sets and reusable straws helped you find the best solution for you or at the very least got you thinking of your needs so you can figure out the best option for your lifestyle. The next important thing after finding your reusable sets is to get into the habit and routine of bringing and using them regularly. In an upcoming post, I will break down more ideas and tips where I show you the reusable items I carry with me and how I remember them.
– Elizabeth Hemmings, author of Easy Green Cleaning
Please share this post with friends and family, the planet will benefit tremendously from more people making the switch to reusable straws and utensils when dining out on-the-go!
Make sure you check out the full post on Reusable Product Switches to Reduce Waste as well as Healthy Earth Habits: Easy Things You Can Do to Preserve Our Planet.
its good