Trump Reverses Biden's Plastic Straw Policy

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reversing a Biden-era policy that phased out plastic straws in favor of paper ones in federal buildings, citing the inefficacy of paper straws. The executive order mandates federal agencies to stop providing paper straws and aims to develop a national strategy to eliminate their use. This move aligns with Trump's longstanding criticism of paper straws, which he claims are prone to breaking and exploding, especially when used with hot beverages. Environmentalists argue that plastic straws pose significant risks to marine life and contribute to ocean pollution, with reports of plastic straws frequently found on beaches. Critics of paper straws highlight potential health risks due to their chemical content, specifically PFOAs, which are linked to several health concerns, though evidence remains inconclusive. This decision has reignited debates on the environmental impact of single-use plastics versus the practicality and safety of alternatives.