In 2021, while pregnant and frequently craving iced frappés, I was frustrated by Canada's ban on plastic straws and the switch to paper straws in restaurants. Paper straws quickly decomposed before I could even finish my drink, requiring multiple straws and making the experience unpleasant. Despite the environmental harm of plastic straws, my research revealed that paper straws also have significant environmental and usability issues, leaving me disappointed and unfulfilled. 

 

There are environmental concerns with paper straws : 

• The production of paper straws contributes to deforestation.

• Its manufacturing process involves significant water and energy consumption.

• Often single-used and degrade quickly during use, leading to frequent replacements and more waste.

• Paper straws often have coatings or inks that make them difficult to recycle properly. 

 

There are also health concerns with paper straws : 

• To make paper straws more durable and water-resistant, manufacturers often coat them with chemicals, which can potentially leach into beverages.

• Some have microplastic linings or additives, which can break down into tiny particles that are harmful if ingested.

• Can alter the taste and texture of beverages, reducing the overall drinking experience.

• Can become soggy and disintegrate quickly, which can be unappealing and less hygienic compared to more durable alternatives. 

I came to conclude that overall, while paper straws are a better option than plastic straws, they still pose significant environmental and health challenges that reusable options like glass straws can better address.