National Drinking Straw Day

National Drinking Straw Day is dedicated to a modest but practical invention! We often take drinking straws for granted, not considering the creativity behind their creation. However, it’s important to remember that even a simple straw was invented and created by someone!

History

The first prototypes of drinking straws appeared in antiquity. Archaeological research has shown that straws were used in the 4th century BC. Interestingly, they were originally made to be disposable and then modernized, with some made from silver and even gold. As you can imagine, only the wealthy could afford these costly straws. Scientists believe that ancient wine and beer were consumed using these straws to avoid the sediment that settled at the bottom of these beverages.

In the 17th century, tubes made of precious metals were replaced with cheaper counterparts made from straw. This was an excellent solution for popularization, but they had a drawback: they swelled quickly when in contact with liquids. Another issue was the smell, which affected the drink’s taste.

In 1888, Marvin Stone from America suggested making straws from manila paper. Later, plastic tubes were introduced. Initially, they were straight and could not be bent, but this issue was later solved by adding an accordion-like section for flexibility.

Interesting Facts

It is noteworthy that:

• According to statistics, the US population uses about half a billion straws daily;
• Today, the world is considering restrictions on plastic straws and transitioning to other materials. Plastic straws significantly pollute our planet, making National Drinking Straw Day a great opportunity to raise awareness;
• There are products made of biodegradable plastic;
• Colored straws are often associated with celebrations and really brighten the mood.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about the history of drinking straws on National Drinking Straw Day. Explore the various types and shapes of straws and learn to distinguish them at a glance. Use a straw throughout the day!

When is National Drinking Straw Day in 2025?

National Drinking Straw Day is observed on January 3 each year.

Observations