Back to Plastic: Trump Reverses Biden's Straw Policy

In an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, the US government has shifted its stance on plastic straws, ending efforts to replace them with paper alternatives. This order comes as part of a broader response to perceived shortcomings of paper straws, which Trump claims "dissolve" and "don't work" for consumers. Following the goal set by Biden to reduce plastic consumption in federal operations by 2035, Trump is reintroducing plastic straws, advocating for their durability and practicality over their paper counterparts. As cities and states across the U.S. implement their own restrictions on plastics, this federal policy change marks a significant pivot in the ongoing debate about environmental responsibility and public health.

Trump's recent directive nullifies Biden's plan aimed at addressing what he termed a "crisis" of plastic pollution, which has rapidly become a contentious political issue. The decision draws upon Trump's previous support for his branded plastic straws during his 2020 reelection campaign, while highlighting the growing tension related to environmental policies. Anti-plastic legislation has gained momentum at the local level, with many regions implementing measures to limit disposable plastic straws, yet Trump's decision poses challenges for ongoing efforts to mitigate plastic waste and pollution. The UN reports that global plastic production is at around 460 million metric tonnes annually, leading to environmental concerns and potential health risks linked to plastic contamination, including the presence of "forever chemicals."

In light of these developments, advocates for environmental change express concerns over the implications of Trump's order, as the nation grapples with the urgent need to protect its ecosystems and human health from the impacts of plastic waste.