As concerns about the plastic crisis mount, an eco-friendly option to replace plastic has become a necessity. While paper straws have seemed a trend in popularity lately, many have complained about their lack of durability – in terms of them getting soggy. Metal straws have been popular too, they are reusable and have the ease of being washable.
But, grass straw has found as a zero-waste alternative to sustainable plastic straws. Let’s check out how grass straws are made in their process.
What are the grass straws made from?
Lepironia is a genus of the sedge family, comprising only one species, Lepironia Articulata, known as the grey sedge. It is found in Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, southern China, Southeast Asia… The sedge grass has a hollow stem, the idea comes in mind that makes it perfect for use as a natural straw.
Lepyronia has the potential to be green straw or zero waste straw. The grass straws are first introduced by a Vietnamese people from grey sedge grass of the species Lepironia Articulata. The grass, locally known as “co bang”, grows around the Mekong Delta region in southwestern Vietnam.
The Vietnam-based company that makes two kinds of straws out of sedge grass – the fresh straws and the dried straws. The straws are hand-crafted by local residents. That does not only resolve the environmental problems as a result of plastics, but many local people also have a job for a living.
Process of Making Eco-friendly Straws
To make both types of straws, the grass is harvested, washed, and cut into tubes around 8 inches. Then, an iron rod is used to clean the inner part of the straws. After that, these straws are washed with water to remove rapid solute transfer from the surface and inner.
After these processing steps, If these biodegradable straws are to be sold fresh, they will bundle the straws together using banana leaves. The fresh straws last for about two weeks in the fridge and are best stored in a ziplock bag. If you want to make the fresh straws last even longer, they suggest boiling the straws with some salt, letting dry, and then storing in a cool dry place.
If they are to be sold dried, there are extra steps need to be completed than selling fresh. They must leave the straws under the sun for two to three days and then dry them in an oven. These straws can be stored at room temperature for up to six months.
Both kinds of grass straws are edible, compostable, free of chemicals and preservatives, and affordable. The local residents state that chewing them after meals can actually help clean your teeth and gums.
Conclusion
We are constantly looking for alternatives for plastic products to get rid of the environmental problems of current pollution and waste overload. The green straws are a wonderful discovery from nature that we can completely utilize with zero-waste to the environment. So if you have options then why not a grass straw.
where could I buy these straws?