Trump initiated the phase-out of paper straws, a move that environmental advocates largely endorse.
The largest straw purchasers in the U.S.? None other than the federal government, who snag more straws than any other group. These plastic tubes find their way into national parks, federal buildings, and embassies, among other spaces.
This week, President Donald Trump reversed course on an environmental initiative initiated by the Biden administration, which had prohibited the use of single-use plastics, including straws, in federal buildings. The alternative? Fragile paper straws.
"We're going back to plastic straws. (Paper straws) don't work. They break. They explode if something's hot. They don't last very long, like a matter of minutes, sometimes a matter of seconds. It's a ridiculous situation," Trump said from the Oval Office, as he signed an executive order on the matter.
The executive order instructs federal agencies to ensure that "paper straws are no longer provided" in government buildings.
Many Americans share the president's frustration with paper straws, even critics like Jon Stewart who declared on this week's "Daily Show": "OK, he's right on this one."
However, for some in the straw industry, the discussion has evolved beyond paper versus plastic.
"We agree that paper straws don't work and they're not a good solution," said Ken Jacobus, CEO of Good Start Packaging, an eco-friendly compostable food packaging company. "What's disappointing about the executive order is that it makes paper straws seem like a viable alternative when the industry has already moved past that."
Good Start Packaging manufactures straws, utensils, and to-go containers for restaurants and federal facilities. Their straws are made from canola oil and can break down on land and in the ocean.
During his first term, Trump signed the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, designed to combat marine pollution and raise international awareness of plastic waste.
However, back at the Oval Office, Trump claimed, "I don’t think plastic is going to affect a shark much as they’re munching their way through the ocean."
Major retailers like Starbucks have abolished single-use straws. The company currently offers compostable straws upon request.
75% of American adults believe they will have to make at least one sacrifice in their lives due to climate change, according to a report from Pew Research Center.
"More and more people are concerned about the environment, especially young people, but... (the straw) has to function," said Jacobus.
The Cost Comparison
Part of Trump's executive order targeted reducing the cost of paper straws, which can price between 5 to 12 cents per unit. Plastic straws cost under two cents per unit, according to Clean Water Action, a group working to elect environmental candidates. Yet, biodegradable straws made by Good Start Packaging are just shy of three cents, as Jacobus mentioned.
"We're facing issues with landfill space for all this waste. Less than 10% of plastic is recycled. The rest of it ends up in landfills, and we're running out of space for landfills. It's becoming a genuine economic imperative," Jacobus said.
Despite their flimsy construction and higher cost, paper straws are thought to be less toxic. But testing conducted by Jackie Nuñez, advocacy and engagement manager for Plastic Pollution Coalition, revealed that several paper straws produced by various manufacturers contained toxic dyes and glues.
Reusable straws are the most environmentally and financially friendly option, according to Jacobus and Nuñez, although they are impractical for large institutions like museums, national parks, and hospitals.
Yet, Trump's executive order indirectly promotes the use of plastic products again, potentially triggering a surge in plastic plates, takeout containers, and cups.
"Trump is enabling federal properties, a significant purchaser of disposable products, to buy Styrofoam, a toxic product that harms the environment," said Jacobus. "People don't care about straws. That ship has sailed. What we should be focusing on is the toxic plastic foam that's polluting the environment."
Enrichment Data
Alternatives to plastic and paper straws include metal, hemp, and bamboo. Metallic straws, made from materials like stainless steel or silver, are reusable, less toxic, and durable. Hemp straws are biodegradable, made from renewable resources, and have a similar feel to plastic. Bamboo straws, sourced from another renewable resource, have a natural feel and also decompose at the end of their life cycle.
Plastic straws are harmful to wildlife and pose health risks, as they are not recyclable and contain chemicals like BPA and Phthalates, which leach into drinks. On the other hand, paper straws can be biodegradable and less toxic, although some may contain PFAS, chemicals that can cause health issues such as cancer and liver damage.
Using biodegradable straws, like those from hemp, bamboo, or metal, can be the most sustainable option despite their initial cost, as they offer a more eco-friendly alternative and do not contain toxic chemicals.
The executive order signed by President Trump encourages federal agencies to stop providing paper straws in government buildings due to their fragility and short lifespan. Ken Jacobus, CEO of Good Start Packaging, disagrees with this approach, stating that the industry has moved beyond paper versus plastic and his company offers biodegradable straws made from canola oil as a more sustainable alternative. The cost of biodegradable straws, according to Jacobus, is just shy of three cents per unit, making them a more economically viable option than both paper and plastic straws.
