Hemp Vs. Paper Straws: How to Make Hemp Straws At Home?

Plastic straws are one of the major marine life pollutants in the 21^st Century. They are vastly found in landfills and oceans all over the world. Not only are they non-biodegradable, but they are also a hazard to turtles and other ocean life.

A solution and a decent replacement are plastic straws. These are plastic or cardboard-bound straws that provide more or less the same experience. However, paper straws are less convenient than plastic, and the ultimate solution was; Hemp straws.

Now, what is the difference between hemp straws and paper straws? And is one better than the other?

Hemp straws are usually made from hemp fibers and resin. They are much stronger and do not disintegrate in water like paper straws tend to. In addition, you can also get multiple uses out of hemp straws, unlike paper straws, which are a one-use item.

There is much to know about hemp straws; for instance, did you know you could make yours at home? Let’s find out how and what kind of benefits these straws have.

 

How to Make Hemp Straws At Home?

Hemp straws have a simple production process. You can also make hemp straws at home.

Here is an infographic in case you want to save the recipe for later use.

The process starts with full-grown Cannabis leaves, which usually take around 90- 120 days to grow fully. Once the leaves are mature and ready to harvest, they can be used for further production.

The plant is usually processed to make hemp fiber. This fiber is usually made with stalk and leaves of the plant.

Hemp fiber is the first step to make hemp paper. That is an important step to make hemp straws, and the paper itself has many uses. You combine the paper and naturally forming resin to from straw-like structures.

You can make hemp paper at home with these easy steps.

• Soak the hemp fiber in water in a pot
• You can then add soda ash to the mix. Try to add the soda ash in terms of the ratio mentioned in the directions on the box.
• Soak and simmer the mix for up to 4hours. Until a pulpy mix forms.
• Shred up the pulp with your hands. You then add it to a blender to form a fine paste-like consistency.
• Us a filter to separate all the pulp from water. You can also use blotter paper to strain it further.
• Next, you require a deckle to form the paper. Straighten out the pulp on the deckle and put some weight on it.

Tip – You can use your body weight to take out the water, or even bricks. What weight you use is up to you!

• Let your paper dry over a few days, and you can then take out the deckle.

Once you have your paper, you can put it into a mold with resin to form hemp straws from scratch! You can also order custom molds online, on shops like ETSY.

There are also other ways companies make hemp straws, like with hemp bioplastic.  These have a similar feel and durability of plastic straws. Instead, they are completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

You can also easily buy them, as many companies have started to produce hemp straws in bulk quantities. However, they are still not found as commonly in cafes and restaurants.

 

Benefits of Hemp Straws: Hemp vs. Paper Straws

Hemp straws have many benefits, especially for the environment. Currently, plastic straws plague the planet, and they will for many more years unless we do something about them.

 

·       Sustainability

Hemp straws are much more sustainable than paper straws. Hemp is easy to grow, nor does it steal the soil of nutrients. The plant can grow in many climates and a varied range of temperatures.

This is why growing hemp is much more sustainable instead of cutting down year old trees for paper. The plant does not require pesticides, insecticides, and many companies to grow completely organic hemp.

This can help make even more sustainable hemp paper and hemp bioplastic, which are key ingredients for hemp straws.

 

·       Cost-efficient

One might think that hemp straws might be heavier on the budget as they are not as common as plastic or paper straws.

They are pricier than their alternatives, but still relatively affordable. The average price is around USD 20 for around 100 Hemp straws.

Many cafes and restaurants can choose to replace their conventional straws with hemp ones and have satisfied customers and reduce their carbon footprint.

 

·       Long-Lasting quality

One of the primary benefits of hemp straws is its long-lasting quality. They match the durability of plastic straws and have none of their drawbacks.

They will not get soggy in the water or disintegrate like paper-based straws, and you can use them multiple times.

That’s an excellent advantage for all the benefits it provides to the environment.

 

·       Biodegradable

Hemp is an organic raw material. That means it is completely natural and can decompose naturally with the environment.

It does not stay in the oceans and landfills for eternities and is just like any other organic matter.

 

Where Can You Buy Hemp Straws?

If you are looking to try a hemp straw, you should first hit up your local restaurants. While it’s not as commercially available, some small and big eateries have already started investing in them.

You might find it in your local coffee shop or even a takeaway. You can also go to your local hemp dispensary to see an array of hemp made items, including hemp straws.

There are many online shops where you could always order hemp bioplastic straws. They come in many colors and varieties.

 

Hemp Laws: Are Hemp Straws Legal?

In the USA, the 2018 Farm bill made farming and production of hemp products legal as long as they fit criteria.

All hemp crops and products should have no more than 0.3% of Tetrahydrocannabinol. All hemp farmers should have a proper license, and all dispensaries go under check and balances.

Hemp straws are legal as long as they are sourced from organic and legal hemp fiber and plantations. You can source them from your local dispensary.

 

What is hemp straw used for?

Hemp straws are a great alternative for paper straws. They can be used for to-go cups, glasses, and bottles in eateries and coffee shops.

 

What is hemp straw used for?

Hemp straws are a great alternative for paper straws. They can be used for to-go cups, glasses, and bottles in eateries and coffee shops.

 

Are hemp straws Waterproof?

Hemp Straws are made with hemp bioplastic, fiber, or resin. They do not disintegrate in the water and can be used multiple times. This is also why they are a tough match for plastic straws.

 

How are hemp straws better for the environment?

Hemp straws are completely biodegradable as they are made from organic raw material. In addition, they don’t require large scale deforestation either.

Conclusion

Hemp straws are growing popular, but frequent users still cannot find it as commonly as paper or plastic straws.

They are sustainable and eco-friendly, which takes us one step close to saving our oceans and landfills from this virus.

With easy steps, you can also make themselves at home, this quarantine!