US President Donald Trump has again sparked a cultural and environmental debate by pledging to revoke the Joe Biden administration’s push towards eco-friendly paper straws. In his social media post on Truth Social, Trump criticised the initiative and vowed to bring back plastic straws stating, ‘’I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for paper straws, which don’t work. BACK TO PLASTIC!’’ His declaration marks a reversal of environmental policies announced under Biden.
Biden administration’s approach to sustainability
The Biden administration had announced plans to remove single-use plastic items, including usages of straws and utensils from the government facilities by 2035, as per a report by AFP. The plan had a broader aim to reduce the plastic population and encourage sustainability. Environmental activists have for a long period supported this cause, referencing the adverse impact of plastic waste on marine life and ecosystems. However, critics weigh in that alternatives like paper straws are unfeasible and useless.
Trump against paper straws for years
The US President has been outspoken about his dislike for paper straws for years and has often ridiculed them during his campaign speeches. In a 2020 rally, he sarcastically questioned their effectiveness, stating, ‘’Has anyone tried those paper straws? They are not working too good.’’ He has also complained about their lastingness, claiming they all fell while drinking and create a mess, especially for those who are wearing ties.
To strengthen his opinion, plastic straws with the branded slogan ‘’Liberal paper straws don’t work’’ were used in his campaign. Meanwhile, Trump’s executive order is expected to be welcomed by his supporters and it will likely be challenged by Democratic lawmakers and environmental groups.
(With inputs from AFP)