When going to many restaurants on campus for a drink, it is now more likely than ever that you will be handed a paper straw along with your beverage rather than a traditional plastic straw. This change came to be with the rising concerns of plastic waste. Although I really do hate how mushy the get, I am glad that this step has been taken to combat plastic pollution. However, as I’ve done more research, I continue to ask myself, “Are paper straws a permanent replacement?”
After alarming statistics were released about plastic in the ocean (did you know 14 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean every year?), many companies such as those listed above announced that they will transition to using paper straws. This change was made because it simply makes sense; paper straws stem from trees which are renewable and much better than creating a non-biodegradable product.
However, this is just a surface comparison. We must look into how paper straws are actually being made. Paper straws require that we cut down trees (leading to more deforestation causing devastating effects on its inhabitants), pulped and pressed into a tube. This process takes a lot of energy, and ironically, usually comes from non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels. As explained in previous blogs, this leads to more production of greenhouse gases and accelerates climate change.
Don’t get me wrong, paper straws are certainly better than plastic straws; paper straws are biodegradable and do not harm animals as much. However, it seems that paper straws are simply shifting the issue to affect a different part of the environment rather than finding a solution. Additionally, although paper straws are recyclable, most recycling companies will not accept food-contaminated materials, meaning that paper straws might not be recycled in the end.
The best solution that I know of, is metal straws! Metal straws, like a reusable water bottle, can be taken anywhere and used in replacement of paper/plastic straws. They may be tedious to carry around, but really do make a difference. You could also not use a straw at all, especially when at a restaurant with regular cups.
Ever since the movement to get rid of plastic straws really took hold, I have been either opting out of using them or using metal straws that I purchased. Although metal straws can be a hassle to clean, they really are trying to help the environment. I also don’t love paper straws for the same reason. They just get flimsy and almost gross and I’d rather not use a straw at all. I didn’t realize that making them also wasn’t the best for the environment and that recycling companies won’t accept them. It seems counterproductive to advertise an environmentally friendly product that isn’t actually completely environmentally friendly. This was a good read. Nice job!
I know I do not like using paper straws, but when I know I am saving turtles, I quite literally bite the bullet and use the paper straw. It is interesting though how paper straws in some way are deflecting the problem instead of solving it. I think it will be difficult to fix the problem with whatever material we use, so maybe changing our disposal methods would be a better alternative.