With David Attenborough’s closing speech in the finale of Blue Planet II ringing firmly in our ears, the once innocent ritual of asking the barman for a straw with our vodka soda is now one tainted with shame and guilt. And for good reason.
It’s estimated that nearly 13 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean each year, threatening the existence of nearly 700 marine species, according to research by Plymouth University. And it's our excessive use of single-use plastic straws contributing to the extreme plastic pollution our planet faces.
The Attenborough effect, as it's become known, has seen a rise in the number of people advocating a ‘plastic-free’ lifestyle (Princess Eugenie recently announced that her upcoming nuptials to fiancé Jack Brooksbank will be entirely free from single-use plastic) and conventional straws are being phased out in restaurants, bars and cafe's around the world.
Now several luxury brands have pledged their allegiance to the movement, in the form of some very pricey, but environmentally friendly drinking utensils. But with prices reaching upwards of £300, is this new wave of wokeness just an example of 'plastic-free privilege'?
From Tiffany & Co's stainless steel Crazy Straw, to a Murano glass collection from Campbell-Rey, take a look at the luxe labels are offering up a bouji solution to the inevitable Saturday night straw-shaming.
Designer straws - Grazia
1 of 7Clos19 x Campbell-Rey, £50, Clos19
Clos19 describe these hand-blown glass straws as the 'must have accessory of the summer' and it looks as though they're right. The luxury straws have sold out and you'll have to wait for the Murano atelier to return from their summer holidays at the end of August to bag a set.
2 of 7The Last Straw by Stephen Webster, £145
British jeweller Stephen Webster takes sustainability to a whole new level of bouji with stainless steel The Last Straw, which can be engraved with the user's name.
3 of 7Tiffany & Co Crazy Straw,
Masters of turning everyday objects into luxury items of objets d'arts, Tiffany & Co have a number of seriously fancy straws on offer. The Stainless Steel Crazy Straw is blazoned with Tiffany's signature enamel blue enamel.
4 of 7Miansai Sterling Silver Straw Set
Miansai's four-pack of sustainable straws comes with a genuine Italian leather pouch, so you can bring your luxury drinking utensil for bouji cocktails on-the-go.
5 of 7Tiffany & Co Lady Bug Straw, $425
This adorable offering from Tiffany & Co is available exclusively in the New York flagship store. Perhaps the thousands of miles of air travel to get your hands on this sustainable straw may defeat the point just a little.
6 of 7Kate Spade Dahlia Straw Set, £12.50,
Perhaps the most purse friendly of the reusable designer straws, Kate Spade's set of 6 acrylic straws will brighten up a many a fruity cocktail.
7 of 7Knot & Bow Paper Straws, £8 for 24, Selfridges & Co
Splash out on a bespoke Tiffany's straw for yourself, but keep your guests' drinks woke for fraction of the price with these chic paper straws from Knot & Bow.