21 Fun and Practical Uses for Old Straws

It's said Americans use 500 million single-use plastic straws daily, and because they can't be recycled, they end up in landfills or in the world’s oceans—which is why some cities, restaurants, and QE2 herself are banning them. Rather than tossing the plastic straws you have around, give them a second life with these fun projects.

1. FLOWER HOLDERS

Slipping the stem of a droopy flower in a clear straw will help it stand up straight. You can also use a straw to lengthen too-short stems.

2. CORD LABELS

Get organized by cutting a straw lengthwise, snipping it into sections, and labeling them; then, slip each one over the appropriate cord. Now you'll never unplug the TV when you meant to unplug the soundbar.

3. NECKLACE HOLDERS

Keep necklaces from getting tangled by threading them through a straw. This works both when you're traveling and in your jewelry box alike.

4. AND 5. BUBBLE WAND AND BUBBLE BLOWER

Rather than buying bubble mix and a wand, put a bit of dish soap in a bowl, then dip one end of a straw in the solution. Blow into the other end and bam—bubbles. You can also insert a straw into a plastic cup to make a DIY bubble blower.

6. AND 7. PICTURE FRAME AND VASE

Here's an excellent activity for the kids: Have them glue colorful straws to a $1 wooden craft frame. You can also glue straws around a can to create a cute vase.

8. VACUUM SEALER

There's no need to buy a fancy vacuum sealer when you can use this simple, cheap trick instead. Put your food in a sandwich bag and seal it, then open a tiny portion and insert a straw. Suck all of the air out, then pull out the straw and quickly seal the opening.

9. TRAVEL TOILETRY HOLDER

Trying to save space while traveling? Rather than spending money on travel-sized toiletries, use straws. Cut a straw into 4-inch sections, then squeeze toothpaste, shampoo, face wash, etc. into the straw. Pinch one end shut with pliers, then use a lighter to seal the plastic; repeat on the other end. Label with a marker, and enjoy traveling light.

10. PEN HOLDER

Tape a straw onto the spine of a notebook to create a pen holder.

11. HULL A STRAWBERRY

Use this hack to hull strawberries quickly. Insert a plastic straw at the bottom of the strawberry and gently push it toward the leaves; both the leaves and the stalk will come out easily. Hulling strawberries this way rather than chopping off the top saves more of the fruit—and as a bonus, you can fill the center with something delicious, like whipped cream or Nutella.

12. CHORE CHART

Print out a chore chart; slip straws over strings, pin them to the chart, and viola: You have an interactive chart that allows kids to slide the straw from "start" to "finish" when they've accomplished a chore.

13. DOORMAT

Follow these instructions to create an unusual doormat: Measure and cut straws into .4 inch sections. On a hard surface, arrange them on a piece of paper marked with a grid (or the pattern of your choice). Cover the straws with non-stick parchment paper and iron on one side, then the other. Voila! You have a doormat.

14. VACUUM STRAW BRUSH

In five simple steps, you can create an enhanced vacuum attachment that will allow you to clean delicate equipment like your computer keyboard. All you need is straws, duct tape, and a piece of gauze (or nylon stocking). Choose the attachment you want to add the straws to, then insert as many straws as possible (leaving them at an angle). Duct tape them together just under the attachment, then cut off the excess. Finally, duct tape a piece of gauze over the end that you’re inserting into the attachment, pop it in there, and get vacuuming.

15. AND 16. PAINT BLOWER AND BRUSH DRYING RACK

Use straws to create unique art. Simply place watercolor paint into cups, then cut your straws in half. Using a eye dropper or pipette, drop paint onto heavy paper, and blow it around using the straw. (Keep the paper in a tray to keep the mess contained.)

You can also use straws to construct a drying rack for paint brushes; the instructions can be found here.

17. JELL-O WORMS

Prepare Jell-O according to these directions. Stretch out your flexible straws and place them in a mason jar, then pour the lukewarm Jell-O into the straws; put the jar into the fridge overnight. The next day, pull out the straws and run them under warm water, then push out the worms into a bowl. Put out the bowl at your Halloween party.

18. HAIR CURLERS

Instead of using a curling iron—which can damage your hair—follow these instructions and use straws to create awesome curls.

19. BAG CLIP

Keep chips fresh using a straw: Simply cut a straw lengthwise, then snip the ends so it's the same width as the bag. Slide it over the open top of the bag; roll the top of the bag several times, then slide a second straw clip over it.

20. UNCLOG KETCHUP BOTTLES

There are few things more annoying that ketchup stuck in a bottle—so keep a straw on hand. Push the straw all the way into the bottle until it hits the end. Leave it inserted and give the bottle a shake; the ketchup should come out easily.

21. JAZZ UP BIKE SPOKES

Cut colorful straws lengthwise and wrap them around bike spokes to make a colorful statement.