Straws may appear trivial, often the subject of light-hearted debates about plastic versus paper, yet over the past ten years, plastic straws have become emblematic of a significant global pollution dilemma.
Recently, former President Donald Trump addressed this issue by signing an executive order aimed at reversing federal restrictions on plastic straws. He asserted that paper straws “don’t work” well and degrade rapidly compared to plastic options. Trump expressed that he believes it is acceptable to continue using plastic straws, despite the environmental repercussions they pose to oceans and marine wildlife.
The turning point came in 2015 when footage depicting a marine biologist extracting a plastic straw from a turtle’s nose sparked a worldwide outcry. This led several countries and cities to implement bans on plastic straws, beginning with Vanuatu and Seattle in 2018.
In the United States, it is estimated that over 390 million plastic straws are utilized daily, most of which are discarded after a brief 30-minute use, according to Turtle Island Restoration Network. These straws often end up littering beaches and waterways, leading to the accidental consumption by marine creatures that mistake them for food.
Due to their small size, plastic straws are typically not recyclable; they can take at least 200 years to break down completely. As they decompose, they transform into tiny plastic fragments, known as microplastics, which have been discovered in various bodily tissues. The potential health risks of microplastics are still being researched, but early findings indicate possible associations with ailments such as heart disease and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Trump’s executive order claimed that paper straws may contain chemicals posing health risks and are also more costly to manufacture. A 2023 study from the University of Antwerp found that PFAS—long-lasting chemicals—can be present in paper, bamboo, glass, and plastic straws, but are not found in stainless-steel straws. Beyond Plastics, an advocacy organization, argues that while plastics may often be less expensive than paper alternatives, eliminating straw usage altogether is a far more economical solution.
Judith Enck, a former regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency who now leads Beyond Plastics, expressed hope that in response to the executive order, individuals and local governments would choose to reduce plastic straw use. “It’s easy to laugh this off or ignore it,” she remarked. “However, this is a moment for individuals and policymakers to voice their dissent against this executive order and commit to lowering plastic straw consumption. It’s quite straightforward.”
Various states and municipalities have already imposed bans on plastic straws, and some restaurants have opted not to provide them unless requested by customers.
On a global scale, the Biden administration is actively pursuing a reduction in federal purchases of single-use plastics, including straws, planning to eliminate them from food services and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. This initiative demonstrates the government’s acknowledgment of the severe plastic pollution crisis and the urgent need for a comprehensive response.
Erin Simon, a plastic and packaging specialist with the World Wildlife Fund, emphasized that this stance sends a clear message to the world: large-scale change is achievable. The announcement was made just months before international negotiators gathered in South Korea to advance a treaty aimed at addressing the global plastic pollution crisis. Although an agreement was not finalized last year, discussions are set to resume this year.
Initially, the U.S. adopted a position that favored industry, advocating for individual nations to develop their plans for plastic management rather than adhering to global standards. With China, the U.S., and Germany being pivotal players in the global plastics market, there was a subsequent shift in the U.S. position, expressing support for treaty articles focused on managing plastic supply and production. Over 100 nations are advocating for a robust treaty to mitigate plastic production while also addressing recycling and cleanup efforts.
Moreover, single-use plastic containers for food and beverages, including water bottles, takeout boxes, and shopping bags, continue to litter the environment.
Globally, the production of new plastic exceeds 400 million tons annually, with around 40% of that used for packaging, as per United Nations statistics. In a recent cleanup effort, Ocean Conservancy volunteers collected over 61,000 plastic straws and stirrers littering American beaches and waterways, alongside various other forms of plastic pollution.
Much of the plastic in the world derives from fossil fuels, and during the recent COP28 climate talks, negotiators reached a consensus on the necessity of moving away from fossil fuels and increasing renewable energy use. As global pressure mounts for reductions in fossil fuel dependence, oil and gas corporations seem to be turning their focus toward expanding their plastic-related ventures, a move that is well-supported by Trump, who also garners backing from the oil and gas sector.
