I realized early on in my journey to be more environmentally conscious that single-use plastics are one of the biggest hazards to our planet. From plastic bags at the grocery store to a plastic cup at the coffee shop, we’re offered single-use plastics regularly. Seriously, back off, plastic pushers!
80% of all marine debris found in the ocean is land based, and 80-90% of the marine debris is made from plastic (source.) Not only that, single-use plastics aren’t actually that necessary in our daily lives. Plastics can be really cool and have some innovative and incredible uses in the medical field, etc. A single-use plastic cup that I can easily avoid by bringing my own jar/mug/cup isn’t one of those “excellent uses.” Far, far from it.
One of the biggest culprits of beach and ocean trash is plastic straws. Straws are a nice way to drink a beverage but there’s no need to accept a plastic straw. They are resource-intensive to produce, are used for a few minutes, and then become a burden on the planet and harm marine life. The solution is wonderfully simple: Bring your own straw!
If you don’t think bringing your own straw will make a difference to the planet, consider this: In the United States alone, we discard 500 million straws A DAY. It seems like that number is too big, but imagine how many coffee shops are in every city and town in America and how many of them offer a plastic straw with nearly every beverage. U.S. consumption of plastic disposable straws would fill Yankee Stadium 9 times a year.
Every time you choose to do something nice for the earth, it’s a good choice. No matter how small it might seem.
StrawSleeves is a lovely shop and, I’ve found, a great resource for information about plastic pollution and practical, easy ways to avoid it. I’ve been following StrawSleeves on Instagram for a while and I appreciate seeing the information they share and the photos of their products “in the wild” showcasing individuals across the globe choosing to bring their own reusable items.
The questions I get about reusable straws are usually under one of two categories. First, how do I clean it? And also, how do I travel with it?
StrawSleeves is where I often direct these curious people. First, they offer straws in their shop, but they also offer the necessary add-ons like cleaning brushes. Even thick smoothies are cleaned out of a straw easily. They also offer sleeves that protect your reusable glass, stainless or bamboo straw … and your bag/purse/pocket. It’s a practical solution to transporting your straw everywhere you go. Made of hemp and reclaimed fabrics that are durable and washable.
The multi-utensil pack is convenient for those of us dedicated to bringing half our kitchen with us everywhere we go. Ha – Just kidding! The fabric roll-up pack does allow me to bring a lot of what I need for any particular outing. I’ll slide in multiple straws for myself, my daughter and my husband. Or I might bring utensils, chopsticks and a straw, shown in the photo above. The whole pack rolls up compactly and can be secured with the durable cotton straps. Your friends and family might want to steal this from you but do not let them! Just shoo them in the direction of the StrawSheeves Etsy shop to get one of their own.
StrawSleeves sells directly to consumers, which is great, but their main focus is business-to-business. They partner with all kinds of straw manufacturers and other eco-friendly businesses and can print any logo on a sleeve. If you have a business or organization interested in or already dedicated to going plastic-free and being a friend to the planet, please reach out to owner Cheri Newcomb via email strawsleeves@gmail.com.
[GIVEAWAY CLOSED] I’m excited to share that Cheri from StrawSleeves is offering to send one of my readers a starter set! Bring this with you on all of your outings, travels, road trips and be amazed at how often you use it. Get all the details on the giveaway below.
To enter the giveaway:
Do one (or two, or all!) of the following to enter! Make sure you use an active email address when you comment since this is how the winner will be contacted.
Follow @StrawSleeves on Instagram and leave a comment below that you didFollow @MeredithTested on Instagram and leave a comment below that you didVisit StrawSleeves on Etsy and “Favorite” the shop and leave a comment below that you didLeave a comment below letting me know why you want to win this prize from StrawSleeves
More details – PLEASE READ!
This giveaway is open only to individuals in the USA, 18+.The giveaway ends at 9:00am EST on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.The winner will be notified via the email address they used to comment and will have 48 hours to claim prize. After 48 hours, if there is no response, another winner will be chosen.
…That’s it! Good luck!
*Disclosure – I was sent these items from StrawSleeves to try and they are covering the cost of the product and shipping to the giveaway winner. All opinions are my own, and I only share really good stuff with you guys.
Meredith Tested 
Ohh I would love to win this! I followed the steps above ^
It’s a great prize, right?! Thanks for entering – good luck!
Favorited the etsy shop. I would love to win!!
Awesome! Thanks for entering – good luck! ❤
– Follow @StrawSleeves and @MeredithTested on Instagram
– Straw Sleeves is Favorite shop on Etsy
– Would love the straw/spoon and case but especially the straw cleaning tool!!
Perfect, thanks! ❤❤❤
Hi,
I would love to win because I recently started on the zero-waste journey and could use the extra incentive and encouragement, not to mention these extremely useful wishlist-worthy items. Thank you!
P.S. I’m not on Instagram or Etsy (trying to stay minimalist online as well as offline) so just leaving a comment here.
Thanks for commenting! This counts as an entry, no worries if you’re not on Instagram!
Hi! I would love to win this giveaway because I have just began my journey to living more simply and sustainably – a stainless steel straw and cleaning brush would help me greatly. When my mother asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told her I wanted stainless steel straws. But, unfortunately, she didn’t purchase them for me. I am following both accounts, and have favorited the shop on Etsy. I hope you’ll consider me for the giveaway!
Thanks for entering – good luck!! 🙂
Following @meredithtested and @strawsleeves. Favorited StrawSleeves on Etsy. I’d love to win this, I have my own silverware at work because I loathe disposable flatware. I have a plastic reusable straw, but the Straw Sleeve would be an awesome replacement!
That’s great that you bring your own to work! Maybe others will be inspired to do the same. Thanks for entering – good luck!
Hey! I’d love to win this not for myself because I don’t use straws but for my aunt who loves straws and buys boxes of them all the time. No matter what I say she can’t be convinced to give them up. If i gifted her this maybe then she’d see the light.
That’s great! Thanks for entering – good luck 🙂
I followed both IG pages and favorited the shop
Great, thanks!
Hi, Meredith! I love your blog and have been following your journey to zero waste on Instagram for quite some time. It’s been so inspirational and informative!
I am following @StrawSleeves on IG now too — wonderful values!
Sadly, I don’t have an Etsy account to favorite their shop.
I would be absolutely thrilled to win this starter kit! I have been wanting a reusable straw forever now, but there always seems to be some looming bill needing to be paid instead and any extra money goes to my two babies so mama doesn’t get gifts like this for herself. I’ve been focusing on reducing our plastic waste and think this would be a great tool for teaching my children and for spreading awareness on my island. Hilton Head is home to thousands of birds, fish, sharks, dolphins, and a nesting spot for hundreds of sea turtles. Believe it or not (I didn’t) the island is NOT single use plastic free. It’s my goal to bring the ban on plastics (straws, bags, cups, bottles, etc.) to HHI in my lifetime — putting my degree to use! This kit would be a great conversation starter at all the local hot spots I frequent here!
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for your support! Glad you found this post and entered – good luck! 🙂
Yes please ! I’m really trying to reduce my waste at the moment and this would be perfect as a next step
Awesome! Thanks for entering- good luck! 🙂
Soooo cool! I liked your IG, Straw Sleeves IG and favorited their Etsy! I need one of these! I especially like the little cutlery roll up. Ive been telling myself I need to carry some cutlery too!
Thanks for entering and all your support, Kim! Good luck 🙂
My family and I have been minimimal waste for about a year now; zero waste has not been attainable for my family of 5 yet, but every step is a step in the right direction! I went to Etsy and hit favorite and loved everything I saw on the site! I would love to win this giveaway because although we have stainless steel straws I’ve never found a way to transport it daily, so I usually go without. This is another great way to stay committed to the cause! Thanks!! 😊
Yes you’re so right – every step adds up! ❤ Good luck- thanks for entering!
Hey Meredith, thanks for always doing such great giveaways! Transitioning to a reusable straw was the first change I made in reducing my waste and to think about the amount of plastic from straws that I’ve refused is amazing and has motivated me to make many more changes towards zero waste since then.
It’s my pleasure! Thanks for reading and entering! Good luck 🙂
I followed he steps above! I would love to win because I recently started my transition to a zero waste lifestyle and having these cute straws would make a world of a difference in how much plastic waste I eliminate! I most recently started composting and I love it!! I’m glad I found this blog 🙂
Awesome! Thanks Andrea!
Such a great idea! I think drinks taste better out of a metal straw anyway.
Haha me too! Reusables just make everything feel nicer. Thanks for entering!
Hi! I am entering the giveaway. I followed you on Instagram 🙂
Awesome – thanks Priscilla!
I’ve entered the giveaway!
Also, what a creative way to spread the message!
Thank you! Good luck 🙂
I’ve entered the giveaway!
Also, what a creative way to spread the message!
My husband and I are moving to a less waste lifestyle. We know we can’t be perfect, but every step is in the right direction.
Unfortunately, we live in a city far from this progress. Finding such useful, but resourceful items are hard to come buy in personal purchases. Online shopping is usually our only option. Simply, this is why I’ve entered 🙂
Yes exactly – I say “progress not perfection” to myself all the time! Thanks for entering – good luck!
I follow both of you on Instagram! Also going to favorite the stay shop now (ginstarr). I’d love this because I don’t have a straw sleeve. I do have some reusable straws, but need to get some sleeves to keep them in my bag!
These sleeves are really helpful! Thanks for entering… good luck!
I follow both of you on Instagram! 💛 I would love to win these because they are on my gifts to myself wish list. I try to not use plastic straws but it’s hard when the servers are so quick to set them down and then the paper gets wet and I know they won’t reuse them if they are not used. If I had this in hand when they come I could plop it in and have a chance to educate them about plastic waste. I am going to go favorite their store in Etsy now! Thank you for the giveaway! 💚💚
You’re right – servers are so quick! It might be worth reaching out to the restaurant/coffee shop and asking them to provide straws only on request. Likely they don’t even realize people don’t want them! Thanks for entering!
Already following all on Instagram! Favorite on Etsy! Would love to win – love the attached spoon for travel!
The spoon straw is so cute, right?! Thanks for entering!
All requirements done! We haven’t used straws since i started eliminating waste and the kids would love being able to slurp their smoothies again! Definitely need to check out this shop. Thanks girl! ☺️
Yes straws for smoothies are essential! Or if you’re my kid, straws are essential for water too haha. Thanks for entering — good luck!
Followed the steps above! Would love to win because I always find my self getting food while I’m out and accidentally creating waste that I feel I could have averted!
Trash is so sneaky, isn’t it?? Thanks for entering!!
AH straws are the sneakiest and most easily avoidable waste item if only I could remember to let people know ahead of time that I’m avoiding excess waste/plastic/etc. Such a frustrating and useless item – it’s so much easier to just drink straight from the cup rather than use plastic straws! I love the whole reusable straw movement that has become so popular in the last year or two but I have yet to get one for myself. I just did all the action items above and would love to see what the hype is about 😉
So sneaky! It is really frustrating when you’re served a straw when you don’t want one. Thanks for entering!
Would love to win to have an easy way to carry a straw in my bag without it getting dirty! I followed all the steps 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity!
Yeah the sleeve is such a cool product! Thanks for entering!
Done. Done. And done.
I’ve been trying to change our way of life. I’ve switched from plastic ware to glassware. Water bottles to go vs. plastic. By our milk in glass jars. Recycle. It’s on going and slow process but it’s worth it. I’ve thought about purchasing a stainless steel straw a lot escpecailly lately as I’ve been making more smoothies at home. If I don’t win I will still do so but this set is beautiful and I would love to win it. Either keep up the good work and fighting the good fight to change the world one reusable straw at a time!
It’s a slow process and it can get overwhelming but slowly it gets easier. And then it might get harder again, but then you’ll figure out what works for your family. 🙂 I’m happy to chat anytime! Thanks for the comment and for entering!
Followed all the spots!! I would like to win because this would be awesome to keep in the car!! I love reusable straws, but always seem to misplace them when out and about (im not sure how). Having this set up would be an awesome addition to my car dinning kit!!
Love that you have a “car kit” 😉 Thanks for entering and good luck!
I can do that! Thanks for the inspiration Meredith
Thanks Kenneth!
Liked your FB page and followed you on Twitter Meredith – you’re a star! This is a great review – very much appreciated!
Thank you
Bren
http://www.stainlesssteelstraws.com.au/contact/
Thanks!