Glass Dharma: The Original Glass Straw

 A Review and Giveaway!

     Like many people, every time I go to a drive-thru and order something with a drink, I always check my bag to make sure a straw has been included.  Each time I go out to eat at a restaurant, I get a straw delivered with my drink.  And I for one much prefer to use a straw when drinking out of cups that are not mine and that I did not wash.  If you have a young child apt to knocking drinks over, straws are a giant help.   However, when you stop and consider the amount of plastic being thrown away daily for each person that uses a straw, it might make you not want to use them anymore.  Well, I have found an alternative, glass straws by Glass Dharma.
     Glass Dharma is the original creator of the glass straw, starting production back in 2007.  Their goal is to help create world-wide awareness about the negative impact of using single-use plastics on the environment.  Just to give you a rough idea of how many plastic straws are being used each day, here is a quote from Glass Dharma’s website:
“…Well, as of March 2008, McDonald’s serves an average of 52 million meals PER DAY!  (Per their website) How many of those served do you think were given a plastic straw?  Remember, this is just from McDonalds!!  Are you getting the picture??”
     Glass Dharma’s straws are all hand made in the USA.  They offer a huge selection of sizes and styles, and will even create their straws to some personal specifications. They use a type of glass known as borosilicate, which is known for it’s strength, and resistance to heat and thermal expansion, so that it can easily withstand dishwasher and microwave use ( a popular brand name is Pyrex®).  Borosilicate contains NO lead, and is the strongest commercially available glass on the market. Since the straws are glass, you can also rest assured that they will not leach any toxins into your drinks.   Their straws are also backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, as well as a Lifetime Guarantee Against Breakage.  Sounds great, right?  I had the opportunity to try four of their straws, and loved them!

    MANY OPTIONS IN STYLE, LENGTH AND DIAMETER

     As I mentioned before, Glass Dharma offers a great selection of three (3) straw designs, Simple Elegance, Decorative Dots and Beautiful Bends, all of which are offered in different lengths and diameter. If you are not sure about the length and diameter you may want, Glass Dharma has a page on their website which describes the different sizes along with pictures to help you decide.

SIMPLE ELEGANCE: [shown below in 12mm x 9” (Smoothie)]

- these crystal clear glass straws are available in different lengths and diameters.  The three lengths offered are 6.25”, 8” and 9”, with varying INSIDE diameters including 2.5mm, 5.5mm, 7.6mm, and 11mm.
-prices range from $6.50 up to $10.

DECORATIVE DOTS [shown below in 9.5mm x 9” Green (Ice Tea) & 7mm x 6.25” Amber (Sipper) ]
         
- these clear glass straws have exactly what the name suggests, colored beads for decoration. These beads are colored glass, they are not dyed or painted.  They add a touch of whimsy, and are available in red, green, blue, amber, clear and black.
-they are available in two lengths (6.25” and 9”) and four INSIDE diameter sizes including 2.5mm, 5.5mm, 7.6mm and 11mm.
-prices range from $8 to $12.

BEAUTIFUL BENDS [shown below in 9.5mm x 9”(Ice Tea)]

- these clear glass straws are slightly bent and a bit longer than the others
-they are available in one length (9”) and two INSIDE diameter sizes (5.5 and 7.6).
-prices range from $8.50 to $9.50

A note about diameter:


     As mentioned, Glass Dharma’s straws are available in four different diameters (shown above), but keep in mind that each straw has both an INSIDE diameter and an OUTSIDE diameter.
The Bubble Tea has an OUTSIDE diameter of 14mm and an INSIDE diameter of 11mm.
The Smoothie has an OUTSIDE diameter of 12mm and an INSIDE diameter of 7.6mm.
The Ice Tea has an OUTSIDE diameter of 9.5mm and an INSIDE diameter of 5.5mm.
The Sipper has an OUTSIDE diameter of 7mm and an INSIDE diameter of 2.5mm.

     YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE DIAMETER

   
     With a Glass Dharma straw, instead of using a straw one time then throwing it away,  you can use these over and over again.  Cleaning is a cinch, you can simply wash your straws after each use with warm soapy water using one of the brushes that are available for purchase, or you can just let them soak in warm, soapy water, or run them through the dishwasher. If you notice the clarity changing this is caused by hard water conditions and all you have to do is soak them in distilled white vinegar. Using one of the cleaning brushes will quicken the process.

Brushes come in two sizes and are made of Stainless Steel with medical-grade nylon bristles(sold separately)

    
     Now my family only uses our Glass Dharma straws, and I feel good knowing we are doing something to help the environment, plus, there is just something about drinking through a glass straw that makes you feel special!

     Glass Dharma straws are available for purchase in select stores both online and off.  Click HERE for a list of retailers, or you can buy directly through the Glass Dharma site, HERE .  Glass Dharma also sells their straws in sets which make for a great deal!  They also sell Accessories which include stainless steel cleaning brushes that have medical grade nylon bristles, and hemp sleeves which are available in a variety of colors and make a great storage or carrying case.
     One lucky Bullock’s Buzz fan will get to win their very own Glass Dharma straws.  Glass Dharma has kindly offered a $25 Gift Certificate Code so the winner can get the straws of their choice. Enter through the Rafflecopter below. Once a winner has been picked, I will notify them by email, and the winner will have 48 hours to respond.  The giveaway will start tonight at 12:01am EST.

GOOD LUCK!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway I received this product for free for the purpose of review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor am I under contract with this company. All opinions are my own.