Following my previous post on trying to find a wide diameter plastic straw, I did some searching on how straws are made and it’s too much to explain here nor do I quite understand the entire process.
But during my search, I became fascinated with the whole “glass straws” I see being advertised. Being that I’m working on being more “green”, it never really occurred to me how the excessive use of “plastic drinking straws” may be contributing to our degrading environmental factors.
Reading up on the glass straws which are essentially made from a “pyrex glass” material was quite enlightening. I’m not sure if I want to fork out $6-8 bucks plus shipping to test out one glass straw though. They do have sets of straws at a reduced cost per straw, say if you buy a set of 4 or 6, you get a little bit of a price break per straw. It is definitely interesting to read about and one day I may even get a set to try out…and they do make them in the 1/2″ “smoothie” size!
The thing with modern conveniences is that people have gotten used to being able to “use and toss away”. It’s so easy to pull one straw out of the pack, use it, and then toss in the garbage can.
From a price standpoint, you can buy a pack of 100 plastic disposable straws for under two bucks with tax at your local store. For this example, we’ll just say it cost $2.00 for 100 straws so they are essentially 2 cents each (if you get them free, then it costs you nothing). If you’re looking at the cost factor, the break even point with using a reusable glass straw verses disposable straws will most likely be equal to about after 400 straws if the single glass straw you purchase cost $8.00 with shipping.
However, what isn’t factored in this equation is the instrument to clean your glass reusable straw which is a small brush which the glass straw makers also sell for about 2 bucks each but they come in various sizes for the sizes of straws they offer. Then there’s the water used for cleaning the straw out each time. Sure once or twice, it’s no big deal…but after 400 washings, I’m sure you’d end up paying another $10-20 bucks for water depending on the area you live in. Water here is really expensive for some reason. Another thing to consider is the time it takes to clean and properly store your glass straws. If time is money, then you’ll certainly pay towards the investment of these pyrex glass straws.
Then others may argue that it cost money in gas to drive down to the store to buy your plastic straws. That’s not really a good point to argue as most folks aren’t running out JUST to buy some straws unless you’re crazy like me trying to find these jumbo size smoothie straws. 
The cost in gas usage is negligible due to the fact that you’ll pick up a pack of straws while you’re shopping for other items.
If you’re looking at these glass straws as a way to be more cost effective, I’m not sure that’s a good way to justify your purchase.
Now, if you’re looking to buy them for them being a safer alternative to your health by ridding yourself of using plastic and helping the environment at the same time, then that’s a noble thing to do.
If you’re looking for something unique to offer up as a conversation piece to your party guests, then kudos to you as this will certainly raise many discussions. Plus they do have a certain classiness to them.
I’m not sure I’d want children to use them even if they are a tough pyrex glass material. Kids seem to like fun colors and the ability to chew their straws, maybe it feels good on their teeth and gums, who knows. :blink: A 2 cent straw they like to chew on or an $8 glass straw they may break through carelessness…hmmm. 
What I find sort of ridiculous though in their “marketing” of these straws is that they say they are suitable for cold and HOT beverages because they are made from pyrex glass. Sure your glass straws can withstand high temperatures as opposed to plastic straws. Perhaps that sounds great to someone who’s not really thinking about it….
but 
Rule #1 of straw use is NEVER USE A STRAW IN HOT BEVERAGES…unless you want to burn your tongue badly. It only takes one time of being “unaware” to learn that lesson. I honestly don’t see that aspect as a good selling feature and it’s funny to see that listed as a key benefit throughout various websites that are selling these straws, whether it’s their own or selling as a wholesaler.
But regardless of that one insignificant aspect, it is still a fascinating idea that I’d like to test out one day. I’m not a huge straw user at home, in fact, I drink out of my Klean Kanteen water bottles mostly. I take them practically everywhere with me but that’s a whole other story.
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