Spoiler alert, plastic straws are no longer in vogue. It is the end of the era of the plastic straw. Many of us have had the last straw (both literally and metaphorically) when it comes to single-use plastic.
36.4 billion straws are used annually in Europe. Can you Imagine how many straws it makes up worldwide? Source Plasticchange.dk
Single-use plastics have a significant environmental impact and are polluting our oceans in a major way.
Ceramist Frida Molsted Nørgaard decided to do something about it, so she sat down in a ceramic studio and designed a beautiful - and reusable ceramic straw.
”In addition to being a concrete alternative to the disposable plastic straw, I also see it as a reminder, something you can use in everyday life, which can be a small step towards becoming more aware and one's consumption habits. So, in my opinion, the straw should function both as a concrete object of use and also as a concept; as a small object that can help create a wave of green transformation.
These straws are my contribution to creating a focus on making greener choices in everyday life. My hope is that these straws will help create an awareness of recycling as much as possible.” Frida.
Photo by Anna Kjær Voss
Handmade with love
Each straw is carefully made by Frida in her Copenhagen studio. The straws are recyclable and can be put in the dishwasher.
The straws are made of porcelain that is patterned in different colors. They are all have small variations in size and pattern, as each straw is handmade and therefore unique. They are glazed with clear glaze on the mouthpiece at one end for comfort and all the way inside, for optimal hygiene. All the straws are dishwasher safe.
Photo by Anna Kjær Voss
The process
There are many parts in the process of producing ceramic straws. Here you get a look into the workshop:
Some porcelain brushes are dyed and then layered with pure porcelain brushes, for the striped / marbled effect.
Once the clay has rested for a few weeks, precise portions are weighed for each straw, from which small sausages are rolled. It is in this part that it is up to the hand to shape and twist the tube so that the pattern, shape and expression become as desired.
Photo by Anna Kjær Voss
Now make the hole in the tube with a wooden stick and lay the straw for drying.
After a week of drying, they are ready to be polished with a sponge, to make the ends soft and correct the very small details.
Photo by Anna Kjær Voss
Photo by Anna Kjær Voss
The straws are now glazed on the inside with a pipette and the nozzle is dipped in icing.
Now the straws are ready for firing. The straws are raw fired, ie. they are fired once instead of twice, for the least possible consumption. After 24 hours in the oven, it is emptied and the straws are now ground with a diamond sponge to make the unglazed surface smooth and soft to hold.
Buy your sustainable straws here
Photo by Anna Kjær Voss