Over the past few months, the debate around plastic straws has grown into a national issue. Many facilities make use of plastic straws, including Bowling Green High School. Due to the well-documented harm plastic straws cause the environment, most notably marine life, many businesses and venues are ceasing their use to help keep ocean ecosystems safe. These bans have become a source of controversy; although some want to get rid of plastic straws completely, others believe getting rid of other plastic amenities would have a more significant effect.
“Plastic straws are not a significant issue compared to other world and societal problems. Other important issues should be dealt with first,” says Drew Lawless, a sophomore at BGHS.
However, many environmentalists and environmental organizations, like The Last Plastic Straw, say they contribute heavily to ocean pollution. As this controversy spreads, more companies, such as Starbucks, are beginning to phase out their use of plastic straws. Local and state governments are even getting involved, passing laws to restrict use of plastic straws.
Many cities, states, businesses, and individuals are discontinuing their use of plastic straws because of articles, videos, and other news sources surfacing on the Internet. Photos and videos portraying the polluted oceans or harmed marine life are circulating rapidly all over social media making the issue of plastic straws hard to avoid. For Lexie Paszkiewicz, a sophomore at BGHS, these videos are making her more aware of the matter and inspire her to use less plastic straws in her own life.
“I’ve seen the viral video of the plastic straw in the turtle’s nose, and I’ve read several Buzzfeed articles about the issue,” says Lexie.
While this decrease is a win for many environmentalists, other issues arise as bans placed on plastic straws take hold. For example, many people with disabilities require plastic straws in their daily life.
“Environmentally, they are just a small part of the overall disposable plastics. Many of my patients and others require bendable plastic straws in order to obtain proper nutrients,” says Lisa Cox, an open heart nurse at Med Center Health.
Many disabilities activists suggest that some straws should be available for those who request them. This allows people who need plastic straws to have access to them, but it still decreases the companies use of them overall.
While some believe they should still be available for such uses, others believe plastic straws shouldn’t be used at all.
“Metal or glass straws can replace plastic. They are much better for the environment because they’re reusable,” says Lexie.
Although multiple companies are planning to get rid of them, the future for plastic straws remains undetermined.
By Emma Hines
“Plastic straws are not a significant issue compared to other world and societal problems. Other important issues should be dealt with first,” says Drew Lawless, a sophomore at BGHS.
However, many environmentalists and environmental organizations, like The Last Plastic Straw, say they contribute heavily to ocean pollution. As this controversy spreads, more companies, such as Starbucks, are beginning to phase out their use of plastic straws. Local and state governments are even getting involved, passing laws to restrict use of plastic straws.
Many cities, states, businesses, and individuals are discontinuing their use of plastic straws because of articles, videos, and other news sources surfacing on the Internet. Photos and videos portraying the polluted oceans or harmed marine life are circulating rapidly all over social media making the issue of plastic straws hard to avoid. For Lexie Paszkiewicz, a sophomore at BGHS, these videos are making her more aware of the matter and inspire her to use less plastic straws in her own life.
“I’ve seen the viral video of the plastic straw in the turtle’s nose, and I’ve read several Buzzfeed articles about the issue,” says Lexie.
While this decrease is a win for many environmentalists, other issues arise as bans placed on plastic straws take hold. For example, many people with disabilities require plastic straws in their daily life.
“Environmentally, they are just a small part of the overall disposable plastics. Many of my patients and others require bendable plastic straws in order to obtain proper nutrients,” says Lisa Cox, an open heart nurse at Med Center Health.
Many disabilities activists suggest that some straws should be available for those who request them. This allows people who need plastic straws to have access to them, but it still decreases the companies use of them overall.
While some believe they should still be available for such uses, others believe plastic straws shouldn’t be used at all.
“Metal or glass straws can replace plastic. They are much better for the environment because they’re reusable,” says Lexie.
Although multiple companies are planning to get rid of them, the future for plastic straws remains undetermined.
By Emma Hines