Plastic Straws: What are the alternatives?
In 2015, a video of a marine biologist pulling out a plastic straw stuck inside the nose of a sea turtle had surfaced on the internet. This was so unsettling in nature that it became one of the most shared and discussed videos of the time. In a way, this video brought home to us an important fact that we had managed to not see for quite a long time. Plastics in general, have been known to be problematic since some time now, obviously because of their being non-biodegradable in nature( i.e. not capable of being decomposed into compounds by bacteria or other living organisms in order to avoid pollution). Why the sudden shift in discussion about plastic straws in particular then, one might ask. The reason is simple, the video becoming viral showed us how this basic and harmless looking commodity can pose a big risk to marine wildlife in our seas and oceans. The main reason that has made plastic straw one of the biggest targets of environmentalists all across the world is its unassuming appearance, diminutive size, which lets common people be nonchalant in its use. Other such objects which pose a similar threat to nature are plastic bottle caps, plastic bags etc. To some people taking a look at the bigger picture, plastic straws may seem to be inconsequential, not important enough to be a starting place when combatting a problem which is much bigger. However, on the other side, starting with a very basic utensil may be a very good approach. Plastic straws, because of their mass production, have become the very example of how several companies in keeping with consumer demands have had to bring changes in their own production techniques and raw materials. Several alternative solutions to plastic straws have crept up in the market, each one more innovative than the last. The most widely used at the moment is probably paper straws, a common sight in many fast-food chains, though some have criticised it for becoming too soggy after being kept in the drink for a while. Easily available on many online shopping portals, stainless steel or glass straws can be called a better solution by some. Other not so popular but quite efficient options include bamboo, silicone, wheat etc. One of the most famous examples of innovation and creativity in this regard is probably a group of bars in Italy who have been lauded much on the internet for using straws made of pasta! Now, technology and innovation may not be lacking when it comes to replacing plastic straws, but convincing producers to make the switch to a more sustainable raw material is a different cup of tea. Since the new materials being proposed to use are more expensive than plastic, producers fear that they may lose buyers. This fear is not too irrational either, judging from the bulk consumption of plastic straws in India at the moment.
Though certain fast-food chains and cafes have readily replaced plastic straws with more sustainable options, the majority of straws in use every day (including those used by coconut water sellers, cold drink sellers, and sherbet walls) refuse to make the switch only due to cost factor. In this case, a ban on plastic straws being imposed may seem like an apparent solution, but it is not so. Though there is an effective ban on single-use plastics in many places, there are many considerations that need to be made before imposing an altogether ban on plastic straws, viz., the companies that are completely dependent on the production of plastic straws, industries other than the food and drinks industry where plastic straws may be considered an essential commodity.
As individuals, we can replace our daily stationery supplies by eco-friendly products — provided only by thesps.org. Do check them out to get innovative products and start living sustainably.
