I’m not a big fan of plastic straws. Since I first heard about their negative environmental impact, I’ve tried to avoid them. And while it may not be possible to eliminate them from your life, using compostable straws completely is one way to reduce your environmental impact. Compostable PLA straws are made from plastic that can be decomposed in anaerobic environments (such as a compost pile). This means your compost heap will contain less plastic, and you’ll also avoid contributing to the accumulation of plastics in our planet’s oceans.
What are PLA straws made of?
Bioplastic is a trademark name for polylactic acid (PLA), which is a polymer made from lactic acid. It’s an alternative to petroleum-based plastics, meaning it’s made from renewable resources such as cornstarch.
PLA straws are made of 100% bioplastic and are free of chemicals or additives.
PLA plastic is derived from renewable resources, including corn starch and sugar cane, which means they’re more environmentally responsible than traditional plastics, most of which are made from petroleum. It is also compostable, so you can put it in your compost bin instead of the trashcan when it’s time to toss it.
How to store compostable PLA straws？
PLA straws are great for reducing waste, but they must be stored properly to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips on how to store your PLA straws:
Store them in a cool, dry place. PLA straws can break down faster if exposed to heat or moisture. If you live in a humid climate, store them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag, so they don’t absorb any moisture from the air.
Keep them away from sunlight. The UV rays from sunlight can break down the plastics faster than normal, which makes them more likely to break down into smaller pieces when composted.
What to do if you get PLA straws wet
PLA straws are made from corn, which is a natural biodegradable material. This means that PLA straws will break down in the environment if you throw them away.
PLA straws are not meant to be washed in the dishwasher or the microwave. You can clean them with warm soapy water and let them dry completely before using them again.
If you do accidentally get your PLA straw wet, don’t panic! We’ve put together some tips to help you out:
If your PLA straw is slightly damp, try blowing through it to see if any liquid comes out. Then you should be good to go , if it does not ! If your PLA straw still has liquid inside of it, follow these steps:
1) Let your PLA straw dry at room temperature for 24 hours (don’t put it on a radiator or in direct sunlight).
2) Once dry, take a pair of tweezers or pliers and pull out any remaining pieces of wet paper towel or paper napkin pieces that may be stuck inside your PLA straw.
3) Rinse any remaining moisture with warm soapy water and let dry before reusing again!
What to do if your PLA straws go bad
You can do a few things if your PLA straws have gone bad.
First, you should check the expiration date on the package to see how long they’re good for. If they’re past that date, it’s time to throw them out.
Next, if your straws are still usable but just a bit discolored or brittle, you can try soaking them in hot water with dish soap for about 15 minutes. This will help eliminate any residue left behind from oils or other products that may be on the straws.
If none of these solutions work for you, then it’s probably time to toss them out!
Tips for using PLA straws？
PLA straws are a great alternative to plastic straws. They’re made from renewable corn and are 100% compostable. These straws are a great choice for businesses looking to reduce their use of single-use plastics.
Here are some tips for using it:
Use a food-safe silicone brush to clean the outside of your PLA straws. This will prevent any build-up from occurring on the outer walls of the straw, keeping them free from bacteria and other contaminants.
If you’re worried about germs and contamination, consider purchasing reusable stainless steel straws instead of recyclable plastic ones. Stainless steel straws can be thoroughly cleaned by boiling them in water, killing any bacteria or germs present in the product.
Be sure to store your PLA straws correctly after each use, so they don’t become damaged or break! Recycling bags make great storage containers for your reusable plastic products like PLA straws, as they allow airflow while also keeping out dust, dirt and other contaminants that can damage your items over time. Some people store their reusable straws in a glass jar with a lid, while others keep them in an airtight plastic container.
Conclusion
It can be hard to know where to store your compostable PLA straws, especially if you’re trying to avoid plastic waste. Luckily, there are a few easy solutions for storing your straws safely and efficiently. You can either keep them in a sealed container or place them in a bin filled with sawdust or leaves.
