These straws are bio-degradable, dye-free, toxin-free and taste & odor free.  They will also decompose without any harm to the environment. Plastic straws don't decompose.  They just stick around and if we're lucky they end up in landfills.  If we're unlucky they wind up in oceans and waterways having harmful affects on wild life and just adding to pollution.  It's easy to think one straw won't make a difference but if everyone has that mentality than it isn't one straw, it's millions.  These environmentally friendly paper straws are a great alternative to plastic and are 100% biodegradable and compostable.