Our Oceans are filled with plastic. It’s a harsh, sad fact. The UN have predicted that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean, than marine life. Horrifying.

The WWF rate plastic straws as the ‘number 3 plastic offender in South Africa’. Plastic straws are turning into the environments biggest problem with over 175 million plastic straws being used daily around the world!

I’m just going to say it. Plastic straws are useless. They truly aren’t necessary, especially since you use them once (single use plastic), with no hope of being recycled or reused.

Plastic Straws are one of the most popular litter items on our beautiful SA beaches. They kill seabirds who swallow them, and they have also been found stuck in the nasal cavities of turtles.

I want to be a part of the change.

Knowledge is power. I was reminded of that, living in Cape Town. We were in threat of running out of water completely and reaching Day Zero, which suddenly made me acutely aware of how much water we really do waste daily. Making those changes and tweaks to only use 50 litres, like:

• buckets in the shower to catch water.
• switching off the taps while shampooing, soaping and conditioning, and brushing your teeth and then only switching on again to rinse
• Not flushing as often (if it’s brown, flush it down. If it’s yellow, let it mellow)
• turning the water off in our toilets and only using grey water to flush, when we did.
• having our washing machine water, fill our bathtub and using that grey water for many things

and so on, made a world of difference. In a weird way, I am actually grateful that we had the drought we did, because it showed me my wasteful ways and created new habits. Habits that I will continue. I still have 2 min showers, switch the water off while shampooing, don’t flush as often and so on.

Once awareness is created and action is taken, habits are formed.

Switching to a metal, reusable straw instead of using disposable plastic straws is a small step but an important one! It’s creating the new habit, and it’s as simple as keeping a set in my handbag so that I have one when going out for a smoothie or cocktail; or keeping them at home in the kitchen for the Freddo Cappuccino’s, smoothies and milkshakes we make.

I’ve seen a few alternatives on the market – the paper straws (which become paper mâché if you’re a slow drinker), bamboo straws which feel a little too rough for me and glass straws, which make me feel a little nervous, should someone accidentally bump me, or I’m just worried the glass will break in my bag.

I have finally found the solution. The Chillibean Stainless Steel Straws are simply Straw-some!

They are smooth, they don’t have a sharp edge and they are forever reusable. The Chillibean stainless-steel straws are made from 304 food grade stainless steel, SGS safety and RoHS passed.

They come in 4 colours: Black, Silver, Gold and Rainbow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each Set Contains the following:

• 1 Bent Straw (215mm x 6mm)
• 1 Straight Straw (215mm x 6mm)
• 1 Stainless Steel Cleaning brush (218mm) to keep them sparkly clean.
• 1 Eco friendly Jute carry bag.

They are also dishwasher safe (Although they are quicker to clean by using a bit of water and the cleaning brush supplied – saves water and electricity.)

The cotton jute bag allows you to keep your straws safely and cleanly in your handbag or laptop bag – to take with you wherever you go!

I also love that the nifty travel set comes in plastic free packaging – they’re packaged in recyclable brown bags.

I find the price to be so reasonable – R90 for the set.  I truly believe these would make a lovely Christmas stocking fillers or great Secret Santa gifts too!

Click here to see more online: Chillibean Stainless Steel Straws and send your orders to Michelle and Hailey: studio@chillibean.co.za

Which colour is your favourite? The black, gold, silver or rainbow?