National Drinking Straw Day

Each year on January 3, people observe National Drinking Straw Day. Marvin C. Stone, received the patent for the paper drinking straw on January 3, 1988. A drinking straw is a small tube made of plastic, paper, or other materials that is used to suck liquid from a container into the mouth. The basic design of a straw consists of a long, narrow tube with one end open and the other end closed or shaped into a mouthpiece. Drinking straws were first invented in ancient times, with evidence of straws made from gold and lapis lazuli dating back to ancient Sumeria. However, the modern drinking straw as we know it today was invented in the late 19th century by an American inventor named Marvin C. Stone. Stone was inspired to create a better drinking straw after becoming frustrated with the natural rye grass straws commonly used at the time, which tended to break down and leave sediment in drinks. Stone's invention was a paper straw that was coated with wax to make it more durable and prevent it from becoming soggy. The paper straw quickly became popular and was widely used in soda fountains and other establishments throughout the early 20th century. In the mid-20th century, plastic straws began to replace paper straws due to their lower cost and greater durability. Today, plastic straws are still the most commonly used type of straw, although there is increasing concern about their environmental impact. As a result, many businesses and individuals are now using alternatives to plastic straws, such as paper, bamboo, or metal straws, in an effort to reduce plastic waste.