WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has taken steps to undo a federal initiative that discouraged the use of plastic straws, arguing that paper alternatives are ineffective and short-lived. Trump dismissed the move away from plastic straws as “ridiculous” and signed an executive order to reassess federal procurement policies limiting their use.
The President, known for his criticism of paper straws and the sale of reusable plastic straws bearing his name during his 2019 campaign, is targeting a policy under the Biden administration to eliminate the procurement of single-use plastics, including straws, at federal events, food services, and packaging by 2027, and across all federal operations by 2035.
In a social media post, Trump declared President Joe Biden’s policy as “DEAD!” over the weekend, asserting his stance on the issue. Despite concerns about plastic pollution in oceans and its impact on marine life, Trump expressed his belief that continued use of plastic straws is acceptable. He downplayed the environmental impact, remarking that plastic is not a significant threat to marine animals like sharks.
While some U.S. states and cities have banned plastic straws and certain restaurants have stopped providing them automatically, the broader issue lies in the prevalence of single-use plastic containers such as bottles, lids, and bags. The world faces a plastic pollution crisis, with experts warning of the harmful effects of plastic waste on marine ecosystems and human health due to microplastics entering food chains.
Trump’s decision to reverse the ban on plastic straws diverges from the sustainability efforts of many multinational companies and environmental initiatives aimed at reducing plastic consumption. Critics argue that the President’s move is more symbolic than practical, as public support leans towards measures that promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste.
The plastics industry welcomed Trump’s decision, viewing it as a positive step towards supporting plastic use. The industry emphasized the broader significance of advocating for the use of plastic products beyond just straws.
Despite the environmental concerns and the growing awareness of plastic pollution, Trump’s move signals a shift back to plastic straws and raises questions about the global effort to address the challenges posed by plastic waste.
“We must make personal lifestyle alterations to fight for these species against plastic,” stated the group. More than 400 million tons of new plastic are produced annually worldwide, with around 40% being utilized in packaging, as indicated by the United Nations. A global treaty to combat plastic pollution is being developed by nations. Last year, leaders gathered in South Korea for a week but failed to come to an agreement. Talks are set to resume this year as over 100 countries work towards a pact that not only limits plastic production but also addresses cleanup and recycling efforts. The U.S., China, and Germany are the key players in the global plastics trade. U.S. manufacturers have urged Trump to stay involved in negotiations and to adopt Biden’s previous stance, which focused on the redesign of plastic products, recycling, and reuse. White House staff secretary Will Scharf, who presented the executive order to Trump, highlighted how the shift to paper straws has been costly for both the government and private sector, leaving consumers dissatisfied. The order instructs federal agencies to reassess procurement processes to allow for the use of plastic straws. Scharf emphasized that this decision impacts ordinary Americans in their daily lives. Jennifer McDermott, an Associated Press writer from Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report.
