The most eco-friendly solution would have to be a bamboo straw. Bamboo plantations are economical because they require no pesticides, little water consumption, prevent soil erosion and can be cut instead of uprooted, meaning it is renewable. Bamboo is part of the grass family and has been named the fastest-growing plant by Guinness World Records. They are growing up to 60 feet in 60 days. A tree can take up to 60 years to regrow once it has been cut for market. Metal production uses our planet's finite resources and release carbon dioxide into the environment, causing an increase in greenhouse gases. Bamboo wood is naturally antibacterial, meaning it will not harbor germs, unlike a metal or paper straw. From a consumer's perspective, it is more hygienic, practical and will last a long time. Plastic straws tend to absorb the liquid you are drinking, and metal straws give you the taste of metal in your mouth. Bamboo straws are similar in price to a metal straw but are more eco-friendly.