How will I carry it? Pockets won't work -- between my wallet, knife, phone, and keys, I already have enough things in my pockets. Lint doesn't sound too appetizing either.

If you're really concerned about straws ending up in the ocean, just don't use a straw.

"Just don't use a straw".

Agree. Also you won't be able to take this on an airplane in carry on.

There are quite a few of these already on the market - not sure why it needs kickstarted. http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/e59c/?srp=1 or http://www.amazon.com/Endurance-Stainless-Steel-Drink-Staws/... for starters.

Personally, I'd lean for the titanium one. I've got one of the titanium sporks, and it's totally flavorless, which makes it quite a bit better for, e.g., stirring lighter teas. Stainless steel has a bit of a flavor that comes through with anything light.

This was my first reaction too. What I'd like is research into the application of these straws? Do most of them stay in first-world countries? Or are these in wide use in third world countries where I'd expect the most need for these straws? Anyone has more info on this?

How many traditional straws do I need to use (and then just throw away, not recycle) before the ecological benefits of a steel straw kick in?

Depends on the source of the straws (maybe the material can be sourced from leftovers from some other production) and if you plan to let your grandchild inherit it.

Cleaning and the stiffness/inflexibility of the whole thing are going to take some getting used to! Not entirely convinced these will be taking off in a massive way any time soon...

Maybe they could have the last few inches made of a rubberized/plastic material which would slide over a lip (to ensure a seal for suction). This tip would allow flexibility and would also avoid painful accidental biting on metal.

Biting could be one of it least problems. Consider a scenario of a kid using this in a car going over a speedbump.

My biggest fear with any of these hard straws is people chipping their incisors.

These questions need to be answered:

[]How does this stainless-steel straw impact the environment compared to a 3-5 year supply of single use straws(on average per user)

[]How is this any better than the other hard straws available?

[*]Why is stainless-steel the best material?

Here is another one: http://dx.com/multifunction-stainless-steel-straw-spoon-pudd...

I have to think silicone straws would be much better for this. Theya are flexible so you can stick them in your pocket or wallet, and they feel similar to plastic straws.

I already have a reusable drinking straw made of metal (http://goo.gl/hkcmp); how is this one different?

Why do people use a straw? I never use one.