Millions of tons of plastic finds its way into the environment every year. Much of this into our oceans.

It is common knowledge that plastic straws are one of the most harmful plastic items – far worse than others as they are classified as “single-use” plastic. These items have a shockingly short lifespan, normally used once and then discarded to landfill. Like other plastics, they never biodegrade and take up to 200 hundred years to break down.  America alone discards approximately half a billion plastic straws a day!

However, there are alternatives, with manufacturers producing bamboo, paper and silicone variants.  Now an exciting new option is available.

Ebonymoon tableware, which is produced in a workshop in the beautiful village of Porterville in the Western Cape of South Africa, produces a range of beautiful reusable and 100% recyclable copper straws which are the perfect alternative to plastic and come in a selection of etched, polished or brushed finishes.

“Copper has proven natural anti-microbial properties so is perfect in your kitchen and as an alternative material for straws,” says Monique Nienaber, owner and goldsmith at Ebonymoon.

“After each use our copper straws can be cleaned with warm water and soft soap –  because of their antimicrobial properties harsh chemicals are not necessary.  Do not place in the microwave or use them for hot drinks.”

These main characteristics make antimicrobial copper straws the best alternative:

• Copper continuously kills microbes and its efficacy as an antimicrobial is scientifically proven to be far more effective than silver-containing coatings;
• It is proven to continuously kill the microbes that cause infections;
• It is the only solid metal touch surface approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
• It never wears out and has continuous and ongoing antimicrobial action;
• It remains effective even after repeated wet and dry abrasion and re-contamination; natural oxidation does not impair efficacy; and
• It is safe to use – not being harmful to people or the environment and is completely recyclable.

Ebonymoon will be exhibiting their copper straws, and also launching an exciting new range of smoothie straws, at Pulse 2018 in the “Found” section.  In addition to the copper straws, The handmade copper and brass Ebonymoon Tableware range includes larger serving spoons, salad servers, cake lifts, delicate bowls for salt, spices and condiments, and most recently a selection of serving boards which beautifully marry rich woods with the earthy hues of copper and brass - used as the handles, feet and decorative inlays of these must-have serving boards.

All of the Ebonymoon tableware is available in plain or etched designs, and as each and every one of the items is lovingly handmade, they may have minor imperfections – which adds to their uniqueness.

“Globally, restaurants, bars and cities are voluntarily banning plastic straws. Everyone needs to do their part to protect the environment and marine life – do yours and use a reusable straw for your summer cocktails and soft drinks,” concludes Nienaber.

For more information on Ebonymoon, the range of tableware and the bespoke fine jewellery visit www.ebonymoon.co.za