Why You May No Longer See Paper Straws

No matter what side of the political aisle folks are on, the use of paper straws has always been a contentious issue. Some laud businesses that switch over from plastic straws, arguing that they're trailblazing a future with fewer single-use plastics harming the environment. Meanwhile, others bemoan the fact that paper straws have a tendency to disintegrate into any beverage they come into contact with. The latest move from the White House likely won't receive any praise from the former group, but the latter might be inspired to try the viral TikTok trend pairing pickles and Dr. Pepper now that President Trump plans to sign an executive order ending the push for using paper straws in federal food service. Yes, really.

Trump's predecessor, President Biden, aimed to eliminate single-use plastics from federal food service by 2027 and most all government operations by 2035. This was widely interpreted as a move to encourage the country at large to reduce its dependency on single-use plastics. However, the paper straws that often replaced plastic ones were commonly met with ridicule as they can not only break down easily, but may affect the taste of a beverage while they do so, making that Coke that tastes better at McDonald's less enticing. And, for potential health reasons, they also might not be the best thing to put into something you are going to consume.

There was never a concrete plan regarding what would replace plastic straws in federal operations. Yet, microplastics in the environment have been associated with a variety of health problems. Research is very much ongoing, but scientists are finding links between microplastics and respiratory issues, reproductive problems, and cancer, among other health problems (via Environment & Health). With this in mind, the plan to phase out plastic straws was mostly well-received, even without a specific replacement in mind. 

Still, the paper straws some view as part of the solution aren't free from controversy. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used to make certain materials water-resistant, and they are commonly found in most types of straws — even paper ones. These man-made chemicals may be harmful to humans and the environment, possibly washing out any health benefits associated with switching from plastic straws to paper (though, again, this is another area where more research is needed).

Although the United States no longer uses some PFAS chemicals in manufacturing, they are still produced internationally and may be shipped to the U.S. in products containing rubber, paper, plastics, and more. Whether or not President Trump follows through with his threat to eliminate the push for paper straws is anyone's guess, but paper straws going away might not be as devastating as some might think.