US federal paper straw ban causes confusion, expert says

US President Trump has signed an executive order banning paper straws in federal agencies, advocating for a return to plastic straws.

RMIT University expert Dr Bhavna Middha, Senior Research Fellow at the College of Design and Social Context, said, “Many people will be reacting to the US paper straws ban, which inevitably prompts debate about which straw is better: plastic, which is sturdier and more accessible for some people with disabilities, or paper, which is biodegradable.

“Repealing regulations that reduce the use of plastics is commonplace around the world. Varied reasons are cited, including that only a certain thickness of plastics should be targeted by bans (leading to different-thickness plastic bags being advertised as reusable), lobbying from plastic manufacturers and associated industries, the lack of effective substitutes available, and consumer dissatisfaction with badly designed substitutes.

“Such fast-moving policy changes create market and consumer confusion. This leads to access and affordability issues with regards to substitutes, as well as distrust in government regulations.

“The issue we should be focused on is how to reduce plastic use. But what we’re seeing in the US is ultimately destabilising climate change mitigation efforts.

“Government policies play a large part in the transition from plastics. Policies need to be well thought out, well designed and equitable for them to succeed — but also to minimise the possibility of governments changing regulations by criticising inefficient substitutes.

“We should also rethink our food services and retail to reduce the need for single-use plastics in the first place.”

Middha’s research focuses on exploring everyday shared practices around food, waste and energy in the context of sustainable consumption.

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