Replacing plastic straws with more eco-friendly alternatives can help keep harmful pollutants out of the environment.You can buy bamboo straws online or in good stores, but you can also try making your own from healthy bamboo shoots.If you take care of bamboo straws, you can use them for up to a year before putting them in a recycling bin.
Step 1: bamboo stalks are as thin as a pencil.
You can comfortably drink through shoots that are as thin as a pencil.The horizontal bands on the bamboo stalks are at least 6 inches between the nodes.You may have difficulty using the straw if you use stalks that are thicker than 4–1 inch.It's a good idea to look out for spotted or rotted bamboo.If the bamboo stalks are mostly straight, it is okay if they have slight bends or angles.
Step 2: The bamboo stalks can be clipped at a 45 degree angle.
It is possible to regrow after you cut it if you position your cut just above one of the bamboo nodes.The blades should be positioned so that they make a 45 degree angle on the stalks.They can continue growing if they leave at least 1–2 nodes on the bamboo.Straight cuts can trap water and cause bamboo to rot.If you don't have a hacksaw, you can see the bamboo stalks with a 45 degree angle.
Step 3: Leave the bamboo in a dry area until it turns tan.
If you want to avoid water damage, put the bottom end on a cinder block or brick.Lean the bamboo against a wall or rack to help guide the liquid.It takes around 2 weeks for the bamboo to have a tan color.The bamboo could rot if it is laid horizontally.If you plan on drying the bamboo outside, try to use a south-facing wall to get as much sunlight as possible.
Step 4: The bamboo was cut into smaller segments between the nodes.
Set the bamboo stalks on your work surface so they overhang the edge.If you don't have adominant hand, hold the stalks against the work surface and use a hacksaw to make a straight cut.The other side of the straw has a 2 in gap.Cut straws from the entire length of the stalks.Depending on the length, a section of bamboo will make between 4 and 16 straws.If you make straws shorter than 6 inches (15 cm), they may not be tall enough for most cups.You could cause the bamboo to crack or splinter if you cut it with pruners.
Step 5: The ends of the straw should be sanded.
There is a piece of fine-grit sandpaper over one of the straw's cut ends.To taper the end, apply firm pressure and spin the sandpaper around the straw.If you still have trouble smoothing the edge, you can rub the end of the straw against the work surface.The process should be repeated on the other side of the straw.You could easily cut your mouth or get splinters if you use the straw without sanding it first.You can see what you are working on if you blow the sawdust off the straw.
Step 6: The outside of the straw can be smooth with a belt sander.
Wrap a piece of 180-grit sandpaper around the outside of the straw and rub it up and down the bamboo.As you smooth it out, turn the straw.Wear safety glasses if you are using a belt sander.Press the side of the straw against the belt on the sander.If you want to sand the bamboo evenly, you need to move the straw back and forth.If you want, you can leave bumps on the length of the straw.If you apply too much pressure, you could crack the bamboo.
Step 7: Run through the middle of the straw.
A strip of 180- or 220-grit sandpaper is about 1 inch wide and 2–3 inches long.To make a long coil, roll the piece of sandpaper in half.Push the coil through the middle of the straw.The sandpaper needs to be removed from the other side.To smooth the inside edges, repeat the process 3–4 times.If you can't pull the sandpaper through the bamboo, use a thin stick or wire.
Step 8: You can clean the inside of the straw with a brush.
The pipe-cleaning brush should be pushed into the middle of the straw.Pull the brush out after rotating it clockwise.If you don't see visible dust when you remove the brush, continue dusting out the straw from both sides.You can buy pipe-cleaning brushes from your local hardware store.Blow the dust out in 1- to 2-second bursts into each side until you don't see any more come out.
Step 9: The straw should be boiled in saltwater for 10 minutes.
Before putting the straws inside, bring 1 US quart (0.95) L of water and 2 teaspoons (12 g) of table salt to a boil on your stove.The straws should be boiled for 10 minutes to kill anybacteria.Remove the straws from the water with a pair of tongs and set them on a towel in aventilated area to cool down and dry, which will take about 30 minutes.If you don't use a large pot that's large enough to submerge the straws, they will not be disinfected properly.As the straw cools down, you can use it.
Step 10: You can wash and dry the straw after you use it.
The straw is normally used with any type of drink.Give the straw a rinse with clean water after you finish your drink.If you have time, rinse the straw with soapy water.The straw should be set in aventilated area.If you leave sticky drinks dry inside of the straw, they could weaken the wood and cause build up inside.You can clean the straw with a pipe-cleaning brush.The straws should be kept in a dry place, such as a cabinet drawer.
Step 11: The ends of the straw should be composted if they start splintering.
If you are going to use the straw, make sure the ends are not cracking.If you notice the straw breaking, put it in the recycle bin or compost bin.If you take good care of your bamboo straw, it will last about a year.If you make multiple straws at a time, you will have a replacement ready when you use another one.