Think paper straws are the answer to plastic straws? Think again!
As far as your health goes, most single-use plastic straws are made from polypropylene, a type of plastic most commonly made from petroleum and thought to be food safe in amounts approved by the FDA. Evidence shows however, that chemicals from polypropylene can leak into drinks and may release toxic compounds that could affect our health, especially when exposed to heat, acidic beverages and UV light. Most plastic straws are not recyclable. They end up in the oceans and lakes and other fresh water outlets, and landfills affecting the lives of fish, turtles, birds and other wildlife. Because of these findings, many U.S. and international governments and companies have banned the use of plastic straws.
Paper produces 70% more pollution from production, 80% more greenhouse gas admissions, and 50 times more water pollutants than plastic.
Paper straws are an option, however, they soften and break down during use and can crease or rip and cause difficulties when using. Environmentally, paper straws are not recyclable and not all are biodegradable....the glues and dyes often used in their manufacturing can release chemicals into the environment once disposed of. Therefore, paper straws are comparable to plastic straws in that they both create waste.
Once again, wildlife can be affected by ingesting or getting tangled in these straws. Paper and plastic straw manufacturers pollute the earth by cutting timber for paper, stream pollutants into the air from their factories, and create extra waste that cannot be recycled.
Waste is still waste!
