What’s the Plastic Straw Problem?
Recently, the topic of banning non-reusable plastic straws has become not only a popular, but controversial one. Starbucks has decided to ban their disposable plastic straws by 2020. Currently, California is working towards restricting the use of them statewide, meaning they will not be handed out unless upon request. With environmentalists and scientists warning us not to use these seemingly harmless small plastic utensils, a lot of us really aren’t completely sure what to think. So, what’s the deal?
In a research conducted by 9-year-old Milo Cress, who used data collected from straw manufacturers, it was estimated that 500 million straws are used every day in America. That is enough straws to fill 127 school buses. In fact, according to an article written by Laura Parker that was posted on National Geographic, only 9 percent of the plastic we use is recycled, while the other 91 percent ends up landfills and the ocean. Because of the straw’s small size, a lot of the time the mechanical recycling sorter doesn’t detect them. They often get discarded as garbage. It is also reported that there are about 7.5 million plastic straws scattered across America’s shorelines.
Many argue that these straws are contributing to Global Warming. An article published by VOA states that plastic is one of the causes of Global Warming because “plastics emit the greenhouse gases methane and ethylene when they are exposed to sunlight and degrade.” Because of the excess amount of these greenhouse gasses that are supposed to dissolve in reaction to the increase in temperature, the heat builds-up, affecting the planet and the life living on it.
But, with plastic straws being banned, what else can we use? Luckily, there are many alternatives such as cardboard and paper straws. Reusable metal or bamboo straws are also great alternatives. These are all eco-friendly uses that will help out the well-being of the planet. Fortunately, multiple manufacturing companies are still looking to produce even more practical, reusable options for those who will be sad to lose their plastic straws.
With all the conflicting opinions currently surrounding this topic, it’s important to stay educated. Plastic Straws should be a thing of the past, as they have proved to be a problem with Global Warming and pollution, as well as a direct threat to wildlife and the health of the ocean. The next time this topic makes an appearance during family conversation or is seen in a discussion on social media, you’ll know what to say. Being educated about the troubles associated with the little things we contribute to, such as using straws, is crucial to helping out the environment and making the world even the slightest bit better.
