In the past, humans and nature were closely connected. Humans understood the importance of taking care of and preserving nature, and nature provided benefits to humans. There was a harmonious coexistence where they depended on each other. Many famous inventors were part of this relationship.

Creative ideas for inventing various things often come from observing nature, the environment around us, and through numerous trials and errors. This process has led to the creation of tools and conveniences for humans today. The example I am going to present for you to read today is a very small object that is so inconspicuous that people often overlook its origin and might wonder who invented it. That object is the "straw."

The water suction straws commonly used today have evolved from earlier times. Back when such tubes were not available, humans would use ryegrass, which resembled long, hollow stems, similar to bamboo, to draw water. Mr. Marvin Stone drew inspiration from observing the water-drawing technique with ryegrass. He devised the water suction tube by wrapping a small strip of paper around a wooden stick, then coating it with paraffin to keep it sealed. Using just paper was not durable when exposed to water, so it went through several modifications to make it more suitable for practical use. This innovation eventually led to the development of the water suction tubes we use today.

The first water suction tube was invented in 1888. The initial version of the water suction tube was 8.5 inches long, but it had very small holes to prevent fruit seeds, such as those from oranges and lemons, from getting into the throat. Over time, water suction tubes were developed to be more aesthetically pleasing and contemporary. In the past, the water suction tubes used by children were about 8 inches long with holes approximately 7 millimeters in width. Nowadays, the tubes have become thicker for the convenience of consuming drinks like bubble tea, and their length may vary according to the size of the beverage bottle.

So, no matter how much the tubes evolve, we would never have the convenience of everyday items if it weren't for the observant and creative minds of humans who took the time to observe and appreciate the nature around them. These innovative ideas have led to the development of practical solutions, much like what we have today.