Tim Tells It: Straws

Dear Tim: I am woman with cerebral palsy and I require a straw to drink. There is a debate about plastic straws and I want to know ways that I can stay safe while doing my part for the environment.

--Stressing About Straws

Dear SAS: First of all, don't feel ashamed about needing a straw. There are many things that affect the environment, and plastic straws are just one of them. It's great that you care about this issue, so let's look at the possibilities. New straws are coming on the market every day, and some of them may work for you. Some non-disposable straw options are metal, bamboo and paper. But each of these types of straws can be problematic. Metal and bamboo straws are rigid and don't have a lot of give, so if you have CP, it can making drinking more difficult. Paper straws can dissolve. Hard plastic straws may work a little better, but not always. One of the better options for people with CP are silicone straws, though sometimes they aren't rigid enough. If disposable straws are the only thing that work for you right now, keep a stash with you at all times, and try to offset your straw use by making less of an impact on the environment in other ways. Use a reusable grocery bag instead of plastic bags, bring your own water bottle instead of using disposable bottles, start composting! And remember, they are coming out with new types of straws more and more, so stay tuned and may find the perfect reusable straw in the near future.

--Tim