The coconut tree is also known as the “Tree of Life” because all parts of the plant—from its roots, trunks, to its leaves—are useful. Coconut is a vital source of food, water, and medicine. Other than that, it can also be used to fuel fire, make toys, decorations, building materials, and household items, such as broomsticks, placemats, fans, and baskets.
On Corregidor Island, located next to the teardrop-shaped Siargao Island in the Philippines, one cafe owner was impressed seeing how the green fronds of the coconut tree were turned into eco-friendly “lukay” (local term for coconut leaves) straws.
Sarah Tiu, manager of Cafe Editha in Dapa, Surigao del Norte, chanced upon these unique lukay straws while holidaying with her family in Corregidor Island.
As single-use plastic straws contribute to plastic pollution, Tiu has always wanted to eliminate the use of these straws in her own cafe.
“We don’t need to wait for our government to do all the work, instead if every individual will bring a positivity and do their part in cleaning the earth. We can preserve our ocean for future generations,” she further added.
So, in an effort to maintain Siargao Island’s beauty, Tiu has tried numerous alternatives to plastic straws, but all in vain.
“We tried using stainless straws and paper straws, but our customers didn’t like using it,” she said.
And when Tiu and her family came across the idea of making straws out of biodegradable coconut leaves, they were so impressed that “we asked them to teach us.”
After mastering how to make the lukay straw herself—which is really easy—Tiu started using these eco-friendly straws in her cafe.
Seemingly satisfied with the new environment-friendly initiative, Tiu uploaded some photos of the lukay straws on her cafe’s Facebook page to create awareness.
Tiu’s post has been shared more than 21,000 times, garnering over 12,000 reactions and some 959 comments as of April 27.
“I love this idea,” one Facebook user wrote.
Another commented, “Nice & great innovations.”
“Export this to California,” another said.
A fourth one wrote, “Disposable & biodegradable.”
Some users even shared pictures of their own creative, handmade straws using edible spring onion and bamboo.
Do you agree that the lukay straws look way prettier than the plastic straws? Not only do these biodegradable straws look aesthetically pleasing, but they also help stop plastic pollution.
You can do your part to stop the use of single-use plastic straws by sharing this post!
