The RyeGrass Cocktail Straw Makes A 200 Year Comeback!
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The Canadian RyeGrass Cocktail Straw Makes A 200 Year Comeback!
The History Of Cocktail Straws Is A Rich Legacy Of Collaboration Between Farms And Bars.
In the early days of mixology, before the advent of plastics, bartenders in the 1800s reached for naturally sourced straws like rye and wheat to elevate their cocktails. These straws were not only functional but also did not pollute, making them the earliest example of sustainable barware. In an era where sustainability and eco-consciousness are more important than ever, the Great Canadian Rye Grass Cocktail Straws by Shaffer Farms carry on this tradition, blending history, environmental responsibility, and modern-day cocktail culture.
From Tree Planting to Farming
My journey into the world of farming started in BC’s forests, where I worked tree planting for the logging industry. It was there that I learned the importance of balancing resource extraction with regeneration—a lesson that would stick with me as I transitioned from reforestation efforts in BC to Costa Rica, Burma and beyond. The experience of watching entire ecosystems recover in these places gave me a deep appreciation for the land and inspired me to look for businesses that were planet positive..
This path eventually brought me to farming Rye Grass & making cocktail straws, which not only honor the past but also offer a zero-waste alternative for today’s environmentally conscious bars and consumers. A planet positive solution, perfect.
Shaffer Farms Canadian Rye Grass Cocktail Straws: Farm-to-Bar Sustainability
Our Rye Grass Cocktail Straws are crafted from organic rye grass, absorbing carbon as they grow and processed with minimal environmental impact. These straws provide a stylish, biodegradable alternative to single-use plastic straws, making them ideal for bars, restaurants, and home mixologists who want to support zero-waste initiatives.
We believe in a "farm-to-bar" philosophy—growing and manufacturing our products in a way that reflects the highest sustainability standards, ensuring every straw reduces our carbon footprint. Each time you enjoy a cocktail with one of our rye grass straws, you’re taking a step towards reducing waste and protecting the environment.
The Pollution-Free Salish Sea Program
The Pollution-Free Salish Sea Program promotes businesses that adopt a zero-waste program, like our zero waste rye grass straws. The program encourages establishments to join our program and receive recognition and support, helping to build a community of like-minded people dedicated to sustainability.
Our work through the Pollution-Free Salish Sea Program also extends to community efforts. We host beach clean-up days along the stunning British Columbia coastline, removing waste and promoting environmental awareness. Beyond clean-ups, our Whale Aware Program takes direct action to reduce whale strikes as well as educates locals and tourists on how to respect and protect the marine mammals that call the Salish Sea home. We also support West Coast Wildlife Programs, which focus on educating the public about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting biodiversity in the region.
Zero Waste from Seed to Straw
Our approach is simple: zero waste, from seed to straw. We believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment, whether through rethinking the materials we use in our daily lives or through broader community engagement. Our Great Canadian Rye Grass Cocktail Straws are just one small part of this larger vision, providing a way to make a positive impact.
From tree planting in BC’s forests to make houses to farming rye to make cocktail straws, I’ve always been driven by the belief that sustainable practices are not only possible but necessary. By choosing our rye grass straws and participating in our programs, you are joining us on this mission to create a better, cleaner future—one cocktail at a time.
