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Variations
Drinking straws come in many variations and are manufactured using a variety of materials. The most common form of drinking straw is made of the thermoplastic polymer Polypropylene. This plastic is known for its durability, lightness, and ability to be manufactured at a low cost. Other plastic polymers that exhibit these traits include polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). [15] These attributes are what have made the traditional plastic straw ubiquitous in fast food establishments and take-out orders around the world. Additionally, other advantages of plastic straws include their ability to be molded into different shapes and sizes while also being able to withstand a wide range of temperatures without deforming. This is important because straws must be temperature resistant and thermally insulated because they can be used in both hot and cold beverages. One interesting variation of the plastic straw is the "bendy straw", commonly referred to in the industry as an "articulated straw". This straw has a concertina-type hinge near its top to allow for improved maneuverability of the straw when drinking a beverage, especially from a low angle. The bendy straw was invented by Joseph Friedman in 1937. He quickly developed the straw after he saw his daughter struggling to use normal straight straw. Another variation of the plastic straw, the “spoon straw”, has a spoon-like tip at the bottom, and are often used with iced slush beverages. Additionally, plastic straws with wider openings are commonly used to drink bubble te a to accommodate its characteristic tapioca pearls. The tip of these straws are often cut at an angle creating a point which allows one to use the straw to puncture the plastic cover of bubble tea drinks. Plastic straws can also be embellished with some forms marketed as "crazy" straws, having a number of twists and turns at the top. These straws are often marketed at and can be entertaining for young children. The crazy straw was invented by Arthur Philip Gildersleeve and patented in 1936. Straws thatEnvironmental concerns, stemming from the impact plastic waste has had on the ocean has led to a rise in reusable straws. Reusable straws are primarily being manufactured out of Polylactic acid (PLA), silicone, and metal. Polylactic acid and silicone straws are the most similar in texture and feel to their plastic counterparts, however they fit into the category of biodegradable polymers. These types of straws have some benefits over other more ecologically conscious straws because they are resistant to disintegrating in one’s drink and provide adequate insulation for hot and cold drinks. One manufacturer of silicon straws even claims that their straws can be burned into biodegradable ash. Metal straws are also being made to further reduce reliance on single use plastic products. One negative aspect of metal drinking straws are their high thermal conductivity which can lead to discomfort when drinking hot and cold beverages. Single use biodegradable straws are also being used in place of plastic straws and are being manufactured in many alternative materials. Plastic straws are being substituted by paper and cardboard straws in  major fast food chains like McDonalds. Edible straws are even being made out of materials like rice, seaweed, rye, and confectionaries (such as candy).