It’s no secret that plastic straws, and plastic in general are bad for the environment. In 2017, Americans used about 390 million plastic straws each day. Raw Straws make a difference. Our straws are environmentally friendly, home compostable and are made from renewable resources. Raw Straws will help stop plastic pollution, support revegetation of Australia’s Daintree Rainforest, and contribute to building new homes for families in Bangladesh who have been displaced by climate change.

Environmental Criteria

When selecting the suitability of products for the RAW range, we are mindful of these key sustainability criteria:

• Is the product reusable?
• Plastic-free products and packaging.
• Is the product safe from harmful substances?
• Does it have a low carbon footprint?
• Is it made from renewable resources?
• Can the product be reinvented or recycled?
• Is it home compostable?
• Is the product easily biodegradable?
• Does the product leave a toxic residue when it breaks down?

At RAW, we work with our suppliers to minimise, if not eliminate plastic packaging.

The Global Footprint Network, an international non-profit organization founded in 2003, describes sustainable development as being successful “only when it improves people’s well-being without degrading the environment”.

Development is committing to well-being for all people. Sustainable implies that development does not come at a cost for future generations and occurs within the limits of the earth’s ecosystem.

In discussing the concept of a circular economy, The Finnish Environment Institute talks about replacing the unsustainable, conventional ‘take-make-dispose’ economic model with a model that focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling products and materials in production, distribution and consumption processes.

At RAW we are excited to launch the first products under our RAW brand – RAW STRAW – Bamboo, Wheat and Paper drinking straws.

We have a passion for people and the natural environment. Our mission is to introduce an alternate range of household and day to day products, for the conscious consumer that is both sustainable and ethical.

The United Nations describes sustainable development as:
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainability

Being sustainable is at the core of what we do. We are mindful of reducing our impact on the environment. All our products are either reusable or home compostable or both. Our Raw bamboo and wheat straws are all natural, plant-based and made from renewable resources. Our paper straws are sourced from managed plantations. Many of our products are handmade by small family businesses and all are free from plastic and other toxic substances.

Our packaging is made from 100% recycled Post-Consumer Waste (PCW) Recycled Fibre and printed with vegetable-based ink.

Ethical

Like sustainability, being ethical is also at the core of what we do. We are respectful when communicating with our suppliers, we pay a fair price and on time. We like to meet our makers and develop positive and lasting relationships. We choose carefully who we partner with and ensure our suppliers meet the highest ethical and sustainable standards. We back up our claims with relevant certifications and product testing. At RAW we support our communities by giving back. A percentage of sales from our RAW products are donated to Australian Marine Conservation Society, Displacement Solutions and Rainforest Rescue.

For a long time, our economy has been ‘linear’. This means that raw materials are used to make a product, and after its use, any waste (e.g. packaging) is thrown away. In an economy based on recycling, materials are reused. For example, waste glass is used to make new glass and waste paper is used to make new paper. To ensure that in the future there are enough raw materials for food, shelter, heating and other necessities, our economy must become circular. That means preventing waste by making products and materials more efficiently and reusing them. If new raw materials are needed, they must be obtained sustainably so that the natural and human environment is not damaged.  Source: NL Govt.

We donate a percentage of sales to:

Australian Marine Conservation Society in support of their vital campaign to end plastic pollution.

Displacement Solutions in support of their One House, One Family project that builds homes for households affected by climate change in the Chittagong region of Bangladesh.

Rainforest Rescue in support of their campaign to regenerate Australia’s Daintree lowland rainforest.

Our Raw products minimise the impact of climate change and have a low carbon footprint. We assess how the product is made, where it is made, and what happens to it when you have finished using it.

Our straws can be recycled or upcycled when you’ve finished with them. Kids like to make things with the bamboo straws and they’re great to use for school projects. The wheat and paper straws can be composted and fed to your plants or veggies.

We partner with

Australian Marine Conservation Society to help end plastic pollution.
Rainforest Rescue to help revegetate the lowland Daintree Rainforest.
Displacement Solutions for it’s One House, One Family project in Bangladesh.