The Best Sustainable Cocktail Straws for Eco-Friendly Bars

Photo Credit: @giorgiotrovato

Why Sustainability Matters in the Bar Industry

Two words: plastic pollution. It should be on everyone’s minds these days whether you’re walking on the beach, attending a concert, or grabbing a happy hour drink after work. The impact of human consumption is everywhere, and as the Earth’s temperature rises, it’s high time we contemplate our relationship with plastic. Sure, maybe it’s the last thing you want to think about while sipping a ridiculously fresh Moscow Mule or Pina Colada. However, the time has come to reconsider what kind of straw you’re sipping out of. 

It’s no secret that the hospitality industry makes a significant contribution to single-use plastic waste. Luckily, eco-friendly practices and sustainable bar programs are picking up momentum. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their consumption choices and practices. Nowadays, it’s best to have sustainable practices incorporated into your bar and restaurant operations. 

In this Crew Supply edition, we’re bringing you the best eco-friendly drinking straws because switching to eco-friendly cocktail straws aligns with broader sustainability efforts. We’ll cover a wide variety of plastic straw alternatives, from agave straws and bamboo fiber straws to compostable straws and everything in between. Are paper straws cheaper than plastic? Let’s dive into the details and learn all about the best sustainable cocktail straws on the market. Making the switch to sustainable and eco-friendly is not only great business, but for Mother Nature, too!

Photo Credit: @filmbetrachterin

The Environmental Impact of Plastic Straws in Bars

Paper versus plastic straws is a hot topic these days, especially with the current administration's executive order mandating plastic straws in federal buildings. The gripes about paper straws include durability and soggy textures, but not all compostable straws are guilty! Fortunately, today, there are many alternatives to plastic straws. So, if paper isn’t your jam, have no fear, there’s an abundance of sustainable straws on the market, making the switch to plastic straw alternatives easy.

What exactly are the statistics on plastic straw consumption and waste?! According to Our Last Straw, here are some facts to consider about plastic straw waste and pollution: 

• 7.5 million plastic straws were found on U.S. shorelines during a five-year study

• Millions of single-use plastic straws are used each day in the United States

• Plastic straws are among the top 10 contributors to the world’s plastic marine debris

• The majority of recycling machines cannot recycle straws 

• By 2050, plastic trash will outweigh fish, and every seabird will be ingesting plastic 

• The lifespan of plastics ranges from 450 years to forever

• Plastics break down into microplastics, which then infect ground waters and our food supply

The fact that humans and animals are ingesting microplastics is extremely concerning, and the long-term effects are not even fully realized. The risks to human health from ingesting plastics are linked to birth defects, impaired immunity, cancers, and more. Further research is still needed to grasp the extent of the damage plastic pollution is having on life on Earth. 

The hospitality industry is a large contributor to this plastic straw pollution. Today, eco-friendly practices are being considered in restaurants and bars. Industry practices are reflecting consumer trends to offer sustainable cocktail straws among other eco-friendly alternatives. 

Photo Credit: @thoango

The Best Eco-Friendly Drinking Straws for Bars

Maybe you’ve heard some grumbling about the texture and durability of paper straws? Are paper straws cheaper than plastic straws? And, what are the best eco-friendly drinking straws on the market?! 

If you’re not sold on the idea of paper straws, don’t give up because there are so many sustainable straws to choose from, plant-based straws, to metal and glass ones. Next, we’re going to cover two of our favorite sustainable cocktail straws: bamboo fiber straws and agave straws. 

Keep reading to learn more about these sustainable straws, which offer not only beautiful aesthetic and storytelling opportunities but also happen to be compostable straws too!  

Bamboo Fiber Straws: Durable and Compostable Straws

If you’re a busy bar or restaurant looking for sustainable straws to match your demand for high-volume cocktail services, bamboo fiber straws are a great choice. Made from renewable bamboo fibers, these straws are sturdy and long-lasting. Bamboo fiber straws are ideal for buying in bulk, with both washable and reusable options on the market. 

Bamboo fiber straws are excellent plant-based straws when you’re looking for alternatives to plastic straws. The natural look adds to a rustic and organic aesthetic of your beverages, especially those tiki drinks! Once it’s time to retire them, bamboo fiber straws are both naturally biodegradable and compostable.

Agave Straws: The Sustainable Choice from Tequila Production

Complete the cycle of your tequila consumption by opting for agave straws. The invention of agave straws is a byproduct of tequila production and manufacturing. In an effort to reduce agricultural waste, the agave is transformed into agave straws.

The full circle and sustainable elements of these plant-based straws add a unique storytelling element that you can include on cocktail menus or as a talking point during service. Agave straws are a great choice for both hot and cold drinks because they are strong and heat-resistant. These plant-based straws are not only compostable straws, but also one of the best eco-friendly straws on the market.

Photo Credit: @rodgersm22

Other Noteworthy Sustainable Straws on the Market

If the options of agave straws or bamboo fiber straws don’t ring your bell, don’t give up on the alternatives to plastic straws just yet! There are other noteworthy sustainable cocktail straws around! 

Are paper straws cheaper than plastic? Generally speaking, paper straws, no. Paper straws are slightly more expensive than plastic ones, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t a great option when looking for biodegradable straws for bars. Especially when you consider the long-term effects on the planet, paper straws are much cheaper. 

In Unreasonable Hospitality, industry professional Will Guidara discusses his 95/5 rule. Budget 95% tightly and spend 5% frivolously. Following this lead, opting for biodegradable straws for bars and restaurants can be incorporated into 5% of your budget. Invest in alternatives to plastic straws, whether that means plant-based straws or you’re favorite biodegradable straws for bars! Here are a few other plastic straw alternatives to consider for your sustainable cocktail straws!

Compostable Straws: Paper Straws

Pros: In terms of plastic straw alternatives, these are affordable and widely available biodegradable straws for bars. 

Cons: May become soggy (if you’re worried about this, opt for plant-based straws)

Plant-Based Straws: Wheat & Reed Straws

Pros: These sustainable straws are 100% natural, making them another awesome option for compostable straws. 

Cons:  In terms of alternatives to plastic straws, wheat and reed straws tend to be rustic-looking. Maybe it’s a negative quality, or maybe it’s just what you need to add to the aesthetics of your drinks while still providing biodegradable straws for bars?!

Plastic Straw Alternatives: Metal & Silicone Straws

Pros: Reusable, as all the best eco-friendly drinking straws should be!

Cons: These do not fall under the category of biodegradable straws for bars. However, they are reusable, although this requires cleaning and maintenance. 

Photo Credit: @tomradetzki

Choosing the Right Sustainable Cocktail Straws for Your Bar

When looking for alternatives to plastic straws, it’s important to ask a few critical questions about your bar program, your customers, and your system. If you’re struggling to choose the best eco-friendly drinking straws for your bar or restaurant, here are a few things to consider:  

• Drink Type Considerations

• What are the best options for cocktails vs. mocktails?

• What plastic straw alternatives are ideal for hot vs. cold beverages?

• Which sustainable cocktail straws best complement tiki drinks, highballs, and iced coffees?

• Durability & Longevity

• Which of the biodegradable straws for bars lasts the longest in liquid?

• Consider factors like temperature resistance and structural integrity when choosing between plant-based straws, compostable straws, and other plastic straw alternatives.

Photo Credit: @yesmorecontent

Bulk Ordering Sustainable Straws & Cost Considerations for Bars

When searching for the best eco-friendly drinking straws, try a few out to see which ones work best for your particular bar program and gather customer feedback. Do a little research and development to test out which plant-based straws work best for which drinks. Spend a few weeks testing out the durability, textures, and aesthetics of different compostable straws and plastic straw alternatives. 

Once you discover the best eco-friendly straws for your program, order in bulk! Are paper straws cheaper than plastic? Not necessarily, however, when considering the impact on the Earth and the reduced costs of bulk ordering, the benefits are worth the price. 

Here are a few last things to consider before placing your order for sustainable cocktail straws. 

• Research companies offering high-quality, sustainable straws in bulk.

• Do a cost comparison between sustainable versus the alternatives to plastic straws.

• Invest in a little R&D to discover the best eco-friendly drinking straws for your bar or restaurant. 

• Look into industry resources to find practices for transitioning to sustainable cocktail straws without increasing operational costs.

• Educate staff and customers on the switch. This may mean extra training on how to garnish drinks with the new compostable straws or elevating service with eco-friendly tales about your new agave straws. 

The transition from plastic to sustainable cocktail straws can be smooth and easy. Whether you decide to go for bamboo fiber straws or compostable straws for your preferred plastic straw alternatives, there’s a choice that’s right for you. It’s a win-win for the planet and your customers. 

Photo Credit: @shumjiajia

Making the Switch to Sustainable Straws

The best eco-friendly straw options are aplenty! There are tons of alternatives to plastic straws out there beyond paper! Choose between plant-based straws such as wheat, reed, or agave straws. There are also metal, silicone, and bamboo fiber straws as available options in addition to biodegradable straws for bars and restaurants. 

No matter what you decide is the best eco-friendly drinking straws for you, there’s no wrong choice if you’re going with plastic straw alternatives. The sustainability benefits will positively impact both the environment and a bar’s brand image. 

Ready to make the switch to sustainable straws? Explore our selection of sustainable cocktail straws and start making an impact today.

Here’s to happy and sustainable sipping!