Evolution of drinking straws and their environmental, economic and societal implications

Abstract Plastic waste has gained global attention due to growing concerns about its impact on human and environmental health. More than 50% of manufactured plastics are disposed of after single-use, leading to 150 million tons of annual plastic waste worldwide. Although numerous efforts are underway to replace single-use plastic straws with alternative products to reduce environmental pollution, their potential impact on the environment, economy, and society is yet to be analyzed. This study considers plastic straws as an exemplar that captures the evolution of plastic use, its persisting problems, on-going efforts and advances in single-use plastic waste management, and the search for viable alternatives. We use the key principles of sustainability to explore the environmental, economic, and social impacts of different types of straw. In doing this, we contrast how producing drinking straws with (bio)materials could reduce their ecological impact, improve waste management. Additionally, we evaluate alternative approaches that have the potential to include straws within a broader “circular economy” strategy. However, alternative ways of producing straws only provide a partial solution. A broader beneficial effect on the environment will only be attained through consumer acceptance and behavioral changes. Any shift to resolve the persisting issues surrounding single-use plastics must be done from a systems approach to sustainability in order to mitigate environmental and economic risks and their rebound effects on the society.