Ah, the humble straw.
Once an innocent tool for sipping sugary drinks and pretending you were a sophisticated adult at age eight, it has become a battleground in the fight for the planet.
Because when faced with a crisis, some people reach for solutions, and others… reach for plastic.
Trump vs. The Planet: A Love Story
Trump’s stance on environmental issues has been, let’s say, less than ideal. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, rolled back over 100 environmental regulations, and actively promoted industries that pump pollutants into the air like it’s their job—because, well, it is.
His rally cry for plastic straws was more than just an odd merch choice; it was a direct middle finger to sustainability efforts. As cities and states moved toward banning single-use plastics, Trump’s campaign gleefully sold packs of TRUMP 2020 plastic straws because, apparently, sipping a drink in a way that doesn’t kill sea turtles is just too “liberal” for some people.
Then came 2025. Fresh into his second term, Trump decided that straws were once again a national priority—but this time, he was ready to take things even further. After previously signing the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act in 2020, which aimed to combat marine plastic waste, he did a full 180 and officially banned federal agencies from using paper straws.
The Not-So-Fun Facts About Plastic Straws
Health Risks
- BPA and DEHP: These hormone-disrupting chemicals can leach into drinks, leading to potential health risks.
- Microplastics: Plastic straws break down into microplastics, which enter food, water, and even human bodies.
- Germs & Bacteria: Reusing plastic straws without proper cleaning can harbor bacteria.
The Economic Angle: Plastic vs. Alternatives
Trump’s executive order was primarily based on cost concerns. Paper straws range from 5-12 cents per unit, while plastic straws cost under 2 cents. However, biodegradable options, such as those from Good Start Packaging, cost just under 3 cents—only slightly more than plastic but significantly better for the environment.
Meanwhile, plastic pollution is becoming an economic burden, with landfill space running out and microplastics infiltrating food supplies.
The Case for Better Straws (Yes, They Exist!)
- Bamboo Straws: Sustainable, biodegradable, and reusable.
- Avocado Seed Straws: Compostable and free of weird tastes.
- Metal Straws: Durable but can be uncomfortable for some users.
- Glass Straws: Elegant, reusable, and easy to clean.
- Wheat Straws: Biodegradable and compostable, without turning to mush.
The Bottom Line
Trump’s plastic straw crusade was more about political posturing than practicality. Plastic straws are cheap but come at a massive environmental and health cost. Alternatives may have their quirks, but they are a step towards a cleaner planet.
So, here’s the deal: You don’t have to swear off straws entirely, but consider switching to a better option. The turtles, the planet, and your hormone levels will thank you.