The 5 Best Eco Friendly Paper Straws

Straws make sipping our favorite beverages a breeze – and for some, they’re a necessity. The last place we want our straws, though, is a landfill or the ocean. That’s where paper straws come in handy. We’ve rounded up our favorite accessible eco-friendly paper straws (which can biodegrade) to give you a sustainable alternative to plastic.

Jump To Our Picks

What are Eco Friendly Paper Straws, Exactly?

When we say “eco friendly” paper straws, we’re talking about products made with plant-based and eco-conscious materials. That means that we’re not exclusively looking at traditional “paper” straws here; we’re interested in anything designed to look and function like one. 

We also specifically focus on straws designed with the planet in mind. Experts agree that no straws is always better than any alternative – everything from glass to stainless steel and bamboo create noticeable impacts on the environment themselves. In other words, there is no perfect option. 

If you want to use straws – or need to due to a disability – you’ll have to choose the product type that works best for you. And if paper fits the bill, you can find great options at a variety of price points (and for different use cases). 

Top 5 Eco Friendly Paper Straws: How We Chose

Here’s what we considered when we picked our favorite eco-friendly paper straw options:

• Materials: This one’s a no-brainer. We wanted plant-based, paper-like straws that don’t contain plastics.
• Quality: No one likes a soggy straw that materializes in their drink. We selected products with top reviews and an established reputation on the market.
• Price: If it’s not realistic, you probably won’t continue buying it. We accounted for several price points to offer options to everyone.

Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

1. HAY! Straws Natural Drinking Straws

There’s nothing more natural than these gluten-free straws from HAY!, which are quite literally made with straw! They come in a few sizes for your sipping convenience. 

Highlights

Since these straws use wheat instead of traditional paper, they last longer and are less likely to sog on you. Plus, you can rest assured you won’t be creating a ton of unnecessary waste as you enjoy them. 

Things to Consider

Despite being made of wheat stems, these straws are gluten-free. That means those with allergies can also join in on the fun!

2. Aardvark Straws 7.75” Jumbo Paper Straws

If you want something more durable for an event, a restaurant, etc., try these jumbo paper straws from Aardvark. They’re made to last and come at a great price point.

Highlights

Aardvark offers custom designs for these straws. So, if you want to add your own personal flair, this is the perfect product for you! These are a staple that can easily replace traditional plastic options.

Things to Consider

Finally, make sure you account for your ideal size when selecting your straws – you can order this item in different lengths, too, if that suits your fancy. 

3. Comfy Package Kraft Paper Drinking Straws

If you want a no-fuss paper drinking straw that holds up well in hot and cold drinks, this pick from Comfy Package is for you.

Highlights

This necklace’s petite diamond accent is enchanting. So is its eco-friendliness–it’s crafted with ethically sourced materials. Its timeless design works with everyday wear but can also be dressed up for formal events (or even a night out)!

Things to Consider

Be ready for a possible mild paper taste with these straws. They might not be best for everyday use.

4. Naturalik Multi-Color Premium Paper Straws

If you’re looking for something a little more interesting, try these colorful paper straws from the brand Naturalik. 

Highlights

In fact, these are a customer favorite, and it’s not hard to see why; they’re made with cellulose from FSC-certified trees, come in a ton of swatches, and are reasonably priced!

Things to Consider

Again, be ready for a possible hint of paper taste in your drinks when you use these. To some extent, it’s certainly a natural tradeoff of using 100% cellulose as a drinking straw!

5. Budget Find: Hosted Compostable Printed Paper Straws

If you need some affordable paper straws in a pinch, this option from the brand Hosted is a great find. It’s part of a larger collection of sustainable tableware, so look out for the rest of the line to complete the set!

Highlights

These straws are cute and chic – they focus on entertaining in addition to helping you avoid plastic! It’s also hard to beat that price point, especially if you’re not sure if you’re into paper straws or not.

Things to Consider

We’d imagine these straws aren’t the best for hours of use in steaming hot or ice-cold drinks. They’re perfect for parties and events, so that’s likely where they’ll really shine!

How to Shop for the Best Eco-Friendly Paper Straws

When it comes to paper straws, many of the options you likely have easy access to are pretty similar. To choose the best ones for you, then, you should ask yourself questions like:

• What kind of drinks do I want the straws for? There’s a difference between a straw that’s great for a tall milkshake and one that’s ideal for sipping on a cocktail!
• How long will I need to use them? If you need a straw that will last for hours in a glass of soda, you’ll probably want to opt for something that’s thick and sturdy.
• What’s most important: price or sustainability? When you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can generally get items made with better materials – though this certainly isn’t always the case!

All in all, we wish you the best of luck on your journey to make simple swaps to sustainable alternatives!

Featured image via Target