In a decision that has sparked renewed discussions on environmental policies, US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order reversing the ban on plastic straws. Signed on Monday, the order nullifies the Biden administration’s policy aimed at eliminating single-use plastics across federal agencies by 2035.
During the signing at the Oval Office, Trump dismissed concerns regarding plastic waste, remarking, “I don’t think plastic is going to affect a shark much as they’re munching their way through the ocean.” He also criticised paper straws, stating, “These things don’t work. I’ve used them many times, and they often break, dissolve, or become useless when exposed to heat. It’s absurd.”
His administration has framed the decision as a response to consumer dissatisfaction. White House staff secretary Will Scharf stated that “the environmental impact was highly debatable” and suggested that many Americans were “frustrated with ineffective alternatives.”
Trump’s announcement quickly gained traction online, generating mixed reactions. While some users celebrated the return of plastic straws, others ridiculed the decision, linking it to broader economic concerns. One user sarcastically noted, “This will definitely fix inflation.” Another quipped, “Make plastic straws great again.”
Environmental advocates expressed strong disapproval, highlighting the detrimental effects of plastic pollution. A leading campaigner from an ocean conservation group remarked, “Plastic straws may seem insignificant, but they contribute to a much larger crisis—millions of tonnes of plastic waste polluting our oceans annually.”
For years, environmentalists have called for reductions in single-use plastics due to their impact on marine ecosystems. According to Earth.org, the world generates approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only 9% being recycled. A substantial portion ends up in oceans, harming marine life and disrupting natural ecosystems.
Reports indicate that the US plastic industry alone emits around 232 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year—comparable to the output of 116 coal-fired power plants. Single-use plastics, such as straws and cutlery, require significant resources to produce but are discarded after mere minutes of use, exacerbating environmental damage.
Trump’s decision to reinstate plastic straws aligns with a broader rollback of environmental regulations. Since returning to office, he has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement and promoted increased fossil fuel production under the slogan “drill, baby, drill.” His administration’s stance stands in stark contrast to global initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste and lowering carbon emissions.
While some support Trump’s move, it remains controversial within the broader context of climate action and sustainability. As many nations strive to reduce plastic waste, the US appears to be taking a different path under his leadership. Whether this decision will have lasting consequences for environmental policies remains uncertain, but for now, plastic straws are once again readily available in America.
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