Alternatives

We're Not Anti-Straw, We're Pro Alternatives

Marine-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic straws — paper, glass, steel, silicone, bamboo, metal, and hay.

Alternative Straws

Learn more about ocean-friendly alternatives to plastic below, then apply to receive an Impact Kit to help you track the restaurants or venues you help transition For A Strawless Ocean. Some of our allies in the disability community require a straw to drink — for some, plastic straws are the best alternative; silicon, included below, can also suit as an option.

Reduce Your Straw Use (& Purchase) Up To 90%

The best straw is no straw at all. For the times you do need or want one, here are the alternatives we recommend.

Glass: Simply Straws

Hand-blown borosilicate glass straws — premium and the easiest to inspect for cleanliness.

Visit Simply Straws →

Paper: Aardvark

Aardvark Paper Straws are marine-degradable and FDA-compliant. Pro-tip: Paper straws are marine-degradable.

Visit Aardvark →

Steel & Silicone: Klean Kanteen

Klean Kanteen makes durable, dishwasher-safe steel and food-grade silicone straws. Pro tip: Keep these accessible alternatives on hand.

Visit Klean Kanteen →

Bamboo: Straw Free

Bamboo straws cut from renewable bamboo stems — fully biodegradable when retired.

Visit Straw Free →

Metal: Steelys Drinkware

Custom-printed steel straws. Pro tip: Add your custom name or message.

Visit Steelys →

Hay: Hay! Straws

Hay straws are made from natural wheat stems — a low-footprint disposable option using agricultural byproducts.

Visit Hay! Straws →

Apply for an Impact Kit

If you're working to transition restaurants, venues, or institutions to plastic-free options, apply for our Impact Kit to help you track and report your impact.

Remember: Some of our allies in the disability community require a straw to drink. Please always ensure appropriate alternatives are available. For the deeper conversation, see our piece on the disability community and plastic-straw bans.
** A note from Lonely Whale on inclusivity: Lonely Whale's movement For A #StrawlessOcean recognizes and strongly advocates for the needs of our allies in the disability community who require a straw to drink. We are committed to working with our allies in the disability community, politics, and business to ensure that legislation is inclusive, to identify plastic straw alternatives that work for everyone, and to make these alternatives readily available at any establishment, city, or country that has banned the single-use plastic straw.