"Exploring the Features of 'My Straw' by Material: For the Sake of Eco-Friendliness, Gourmet Delight, and Fashion"

The number of cafes with paper straws is increasing.

With plastic bags becoming chargeable and stirrers being abolished.

As interest in reducing plastic waste is rising, what concerns me the most is "straws."

I enjoy comparing coffee, and I often go to cafes, but recently, many places—including Starbucks—are switching from plastic straws to paper straws. (I feel like about 30-40% have switched to paper straws.)

From an ecological standpoint, I think paper straws are definitely better, but personally,

✅ They become floppy quickly

✅ The mouthfeel is bad (I’m concerned about the way they feel on my lips…!)

✅ The coffee doesn’t taste good (it has a paper flavor…)

Honestly, I can’t say I like them very much...

I want to carry my own straw in the future＊

That said, I think it's necessary for the reduction of plastic, even if paper straws become floppy or taste a little worse.

However, I found that it seems like the number of people carrying "my straws" is gradually increasing.

Although they are not yet available at Starbucks in Japan, titanium and silicone straws are already being sold at Starbucks in Taiwan and South Korea, and they are becoming quite familiar there.

I believe if they start being sold at Starbucks in Japan, then the my straw culture will likely take root…

(Here is a titanium straw from a Starbucks in Hong Kong.)

(A silicone straw from a summer limited edition at Starbucks in South Korea.)

The reasons for carrying a straw are,

① Eco-friendliness

② Dislike for paper straws

These reasons are easily imaginable, but,

③ Because it’s stylish

it appears that many people actually carry them for that reason too.

Indeed, metal or glass straws have a more luxurious feel and look stylish compared to plastic or paper straws.

They also seem to give the impression that the user is eco-conscious...!

When carrying them, it seems that people put them in a dedicated case like chopsticks or toothbrushes and keep them in their bags.

When it comes to cleaning, it seems that they want to properly wash the inside of the straw, so they use a brush.

About straw materials.

When considering a my straw, what concerns me is the "material" of the straw.

Apart from plastic and paper straws, the mainstream materials are stainless steel, aluminum, silicone, and glass, so I summarized their features.

✅ Stainless steel

It has a luxurious feel and can be used in dishwashers, which is a benefit. Those with metal allergies cannot use it.

They are inexpensive, and you can purchase a set of 3-8 for around 1,000 yen＊

➡ Search for stainless steel straws on Rakuten

✅ Aluminum

It is lightweight and easy to carry, cooling quickly makes it suitable for cold drinks. It cannot be used in dishwashers. It's slightly more expensive than stainless steel, around 1,000 yen for one.

➡ Search for aluminum straws on Rakuten

✅ Silicone

It is easy for children to use and can be tied or folded, making it convenient to carry.

They are about 1,000 yen for 3 pieces＊

➡ Search for silicone straws on Rakuten

✅ Glass

They look stylish, but you have to be careful about carrying them as they can break.

You can buy one for around 1,000 yen＊

➡ Search for glass straws on Rakuten

My straws are also sold at 100 yen shops＊

My straws can also be found at 100 yen shops＊

Daiso: Stainless steel straw (1 piece)

Seria: Stainless steel straws (2 pieces)

Can Do: Aluminum straw & cleaning brush (1 piece)

I want to shift to a lifestyle of carrying my straw＊

The "my straw" culture that may take root in Japan in the future.

With many establishments now offering paper straws, I think it might be a small contribution, but for the sake of the environment—and to enjoy my coffee better—I’ve decided to give it a try ♩

They also look stylish, and using my straw at home makes me feel like my lifestyle has subtly upgraded. I hope everyone will consider adopting this too♡