In a policy reversal initiated by his predecessor, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to end the government’s effort to replace plastic straws with paper alternatives. The order, effective immediately, mandates that government agencies cease purchasing paper straws, marking a sharp shift from the environmental goals set by former President Joe Biden.
Biden’s administration had previously outlined a plan to phase out single-use plastics from federal operations by 2035, including a ban on government purchases of plastic straws, utensils, and packaging. Trump’s executive order effectively cancels this initiative, arguing that paper straws are ineffective and unappealing.
“These things don’t work,” Trump said to reporters at the White House, referring to his frustrations with paper straws. “They break, they dissolve, they don’t last long, especially with hot beverages. It’s a ridiculous situation.” Trump’s position is in line with his continued criticism of environmentally motivated initiatives that he finds inconvenient or impractical.
For years, he has openly discussed his disdain for plastic straws. For his 2020 re-election effort, he went as far as selling “Trump” branded plastic straws in an effort to defy what he described as “liberal” paper straws. According to the campaign, nearly $500,000 worth of straw sales was brought in during the early weeks. Packs of 10 were sold at $15 a pack.
While Trump’s order has been met with criticism from environmental groups, who argue that plastic pollution is a pressing global crisis, the decision reflects broader debates over the effectiveness of plastic alternatives. Some studies have raised concerns about paper straws, citing the potential presence of “forever chemicals” like PFAS, which can contaminate water supplies and pose health risks.
This development once more highlights the conflict on the part of environmental initiatives and political ideologies, especially in regard to the use of plastics. Several US states, including California and New Jersey, have already passed local laws prohibiting plastic straws, which also makes it complicated for the federal government.
The controversy involving plastic versus paper straws has continuously surfaced; however, Trump’s executive order is a crucial turn in the country’s environmental policies, especially considering the federal system.
