I've tried numerous different straws, and so far, I haven't seen a really good substitute for plastic straws. Now, if science could figure out how to make plastic biodegradable, that would be the ideal solution.
I understand that sunflower seed husks and olive pits are starting to be used as plastic substitutes which is great since right now they are just a waste product in the production of olive and sunflower seed oil
Since there wouldn't really be any cost for acquiring the product, hopefully they could start making things like straws with them at a low price