I went to lunch at a fast food place today, which I rarely do as I don’t like fast food but my companions chose our lunch place so I went with it.
I asked for a cup of water to drink and was served it in a plastic cup with plastic lid.
I asked for a straw and was given a paper wrapped paper straw.
I really dislike paper straws, they taste awful to me, however I can support their use in an attempt to save the environment, however I do not understand the purpose of providing paper straws in plastic cups with plastic lids, if seems to defeat the whole purpose.
Paper Straws are all the rage now. They are being manufactured in all sorts of cutesy colors, sizes and designs.
Those seeking to stop plastic pollution have started a movement to ban plastic straws by introducing paper straws, marketing them as eco-friendly, good for the environment and cheap to purchase. Restaurants are jumping on the band wagon to introduce them to their customers as a unique addition to their drink menus, even though the drinks might be still served in plastic takeout cups, the paper straw is indeed biodegradable.
And though I am very much a supporter of protecting the environment and limiting plastic pollution I just cannot make myself enjoy drinking from a paper straw.
Perhaps it’s because I am, as they say nowadays, “old school”.
I grew up drinking from paper straws. For 16 years paper straws were all I ever knew, and then in the 1960’s the plastic straw was invented and paper straws were forgotten—until now.
It’s just too bad that we as a people have so misused the plastic straw to such an extent that it has become a problem and is our ocean’s number one enemy!
Our beaches are littered with plastic and most of it is in the form of straws which get washed into the ocean and harm the marine life.
It really is something that needs to be addressed, and corrected, it’s just sad that we as a people have to revert to using something less favorable to accomplish that.
So, though I agree we have a environmental problem, I am not in favor of paper straws. But…sigh…I will use them to help save our ocean and environment from further harm.
Leonas Lines--Poetry Plus 