A man is creating straws made of pasta to help combat plastic pollution - showing that we're not all pasta the point of caring about the environment. (Sorry).
We all know that plastic pollution is a massive problem and that single-use plastic is one of the worst offenders.
Of this, plastic drinking straws are often singled out. And with good reason, as an estimated 4.4 billion are chucked away every year in the UK alone. Although that only accounts for a teeny amount of the tonnes of plastic that ends up in the oceans every year - it's completely and easy avoidable.
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To help tackle the problem, Maxim Glemann came up with the idea for Stroodles. These are completely, environmentally friendly, zero-waste straws made of durum wheat semolina and water (also known as pasta, to you and me).
Speaking to LADbible, Maxim said: "I worked in the commercial world for a long time, and I started to get sick of it. I've always really cared about the environment and I enjoy diving and travelling, so I was aware of the problem with plastic pollution.
"I came across these fun, edible straws made of pasta and realised they could be used to cut down plastic waste."
Launching last December, Stroodles are already a big hit and Maxim says the reaction to them has been 'very rewarding'.
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The straws decompose overnight, they're vegan-friendly, flavourless and will last an hour or so in cold drinks. Compare that to paper straws, which can take up to two months, and plastic, which never fully decompose.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, they're perfectly safe to eat. Maxim explained: "People do end up snacking on them, usually after a few gin and tonics." - Yep, I can see how that would happen.
Despite their tip-top environmental credentials, Maxim is quick to point out that he doesn't want to lecture about the problem of plastic pollution and scare people.
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"I'm not there to preach and tell people the world is going to die if they keep using plastic," he said.
"Stroodles are fun to begin with and I think they encourage people to make realisations and think more about their choices.
"Subconsciously, I think it's making a difference and they are helping both directly and indirectly.
"For me, the most rewarding thing is seeing people's response to Stroodles. Kids like using them because they're fun and, hopefully, they will grow up more aware of their impact and the environment."
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And if the straws' super-green credentials aren't enough to impress you, Maxim also donates Stroodles to food banks and a portion of the company's profits go to charities including Ocean Plastic. How nice is that, eh?
You can pick up the straws online or try them at a select number of bars and restaurants.
Pasta la vista, plastic straws (I am so sorry).
Featured Image Credit: StroodlesTopics: Daily Ladness, Interesting, trash isles, Community