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Which reusable straw material?

This is the only real decision here, and it comes down to who is using it and where.

If you cannot decide, the mixed starter pack has several types in one go.

How do you actually clean a straw?

With the narrow brush, which is why one is included with most sets and sold separately for a couple of dollars. Rinse straight after use rather than letting a smoothie dry inside — that is the thing that makes people give up on reusable straws.

Glass and stainless go in the dishwasher. Bamboo should be washed by hand and dried properly, like a wooden spoon.

Bamboo paper towel — does it work?

It is a roll of bamboo cloth sheets that tear off like paper towel but go in the wash instead of the bin. Each sheet takes many washes before it wears out, so one roll stands in for a long run of disposable ones.

Use them for spills and wiping down; keep proper cloths for anything greasy, which is harder to launder out.

The rest of the kitchen

Beeswax wrap replaces cling film for cheese, bread and half-used vegetables — warm it in your hands and it seals. Mesh produce bags replace the roll at the supermarket. There is a kitchen combo that bundles the wrap, the paper towel and the produce bags if you are switching several things at once.

More in eco-kitchen, straws and drinkware.