Drinking straw

A drinking straw is a simple utensil used to transport liquids to the mouth. It relies on a physical process called suction to function. To use a straw, a person places one end in their mouth and the other in a beverage. By lowering the pressure inside the mouth through suction, the surrounding atmospheric pressure forces the liquid up through the tube.

This mechanism makes consuming liquids much safer and easier for many people. Straws are especially important for individuals with physical disabilities that affect swallowing. They also assist children, the elderly, and patients recovering from dental procedures.

The history of straws stretches back to the earliest recorded eras. The first known straws were used by the Sumerians to drink beer. These early users often utilized reusable strainer-tips to filter out solid byproducts from fermentation.

Some of the oldest surviving straws are metal tubes found in Armenia. These belong to the Maykop culture and date from 3700 to 2900 BCE. In a Sumerian tomb from 3000 BCE, archaeologists found an elaborate gold tube inlaid with blue lapis lazuli. In the 1800s, rye straws became popular because they were soft and inexpensive. However, these straws often turned into mush when they sat in liquid.

In 1888, an American named Marvin C. Stone patented the modern paper straw. He developed this idea in Washington, D.C., while drinking a mint julep. He found that the rye straw changed the taste of his drink to something grassy. To solve this, he wound paper around a pencil to create a tube. He later built a machine to coat the paper in wax. This prevented the glue and paper from dissolving in drinks like bourbon.

Mass production of straws increased significantly during the 20th century. In 1930, Otto W. Dieffenbach Sr. produced cellophane straws in Baltimore. Following World War II, plastic straws became widespread because the materials were inexpensive.

Modern plastic straws are often made from a thermoplastic polymer called polypropylene. This material is chosen because it is lightweight, durable, and very cheap to manufacture. Other common polymers include polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These plastics can withstand many different temperatures without deforming. This makes them useful for both hot and cold beverages.

Some straws are designed with a concertina-type hinge, known as an articulated straw. Joseph Friedman invented these in 1937 after seeing his daughter struggle with straight straws.

Other specialized types include wide boba tea straws and narrow stir straws for coffee.

Straws are also used in highly complex environments like outer space. During the 1998 NASA mission STS-95, astronauts used straws to drink. In microgravity, special drinking equipment helps prevent liquids from escaping containment. This prevents liquids from floating away and contaminating sensitive equipment.

In South America, a specific metal straw called a bombilla is used. It features a filter on the bottom to drink a mate infusion.

Today, many people are moving away from single-use plastics due to environmental concerns. Plastic pollution in the ocean has become a major global issue. A viral video showing a sea turtle with a straw in its nostril increased public awareness.

Some groups estimate that 500 million straws are used daily in the United States. While these numbers are debated, straws remain a common item in ocean trash. In the 2023 International Coastal Cleanup, straws and stirrers were the 9th most collected item. This resulted in 415,957 items being gathered by volunteers.

To protect the environment, many companies now offer alternative materials. Reusable straws are often made from metal, glass, or silicone. Some are made from polylactic acid (PLA), which is a biodegradable polymer.

Other disposable options include straws made of paper, cardboard, bamboo, or even pasta. Some even create edible straws from seaweed, rice, or candy. These innovations allow people to enjoy their drinks while reducing their impact on the planet.