Drinking Straws

The ends of straws can be sealed using fire. The best way to do this is with a multi tool or pliers so that you can crimp down the melted ends for a better waterproof and air tight seal. This means that you can use them for storing various items.

It’s best to do this with transparent straws so you can see the contents, or you could use different colours to colour code the contents. If you’re using the thicker, larger straws you could even label them with a sharpie.

They can be used in this way to keep matches dry for example. If you can find large straws they can even be used as a waterproof casing for ammo.

You can also make small seasoning packets. This may sound strange but trust me, when you’re eating bland food just in order to survive you will appreciate a bit of seasoning on your food more than you realize! This is a good way to store any seasoning or spices you may be able to scavenge in single use, airtight packets. Or you can pre-pack some packets of salt or oil for example.

If you seal them when they are empty and just filled with air they will be buoyant so can be used as a pretty good fishing float.

You can also pack a straw using cotton wool mixed with Vaseline or Chapstick. When lit this will burn very slowly and act as a candle.