Written by
Danny ChenWhen it comes to responsible consumption, there are various aspects that an individual should consider to determine if it is sustainable. Oftentimes, it relates to the purpose, the process, and the materials.
In today's post, we will explore the impacts of drinking straw materials.
Greenhouse Gas(GHG) Emissions: GHG emissions from paper straws are oftentimes double that of plastic straws. The main GHG emissions are from paper fiber manufacturing.
However, recycled paper made from post-consumer waste has a lower carbon footprint compared to paper made from virgin fibers. The specific number depends on each product/service provider's climate practices and may vary significantly.
Human Health Concern: The chemical additives used in plastic straws may result in health concerns. Some paper tableware may contain PFAS with a layer of wax or plastic, which is bad for human health and the environment as well. However, paper fiber companies like Deluxe Technology Group, are now providing water-resistance, non-PFAS, paper tableware that is good for the environment.
Biodiversity: The plastic straws are very likely to become marine litter and harm marine wildlife. On the other hand, paper straws may use wood from illegal logging or business practices that lead to deforestation. Apart from that, microplastic can absorb environmental pollutants and be ingested by marine life through bioaccumulation, which can then be sent back to the human body through seafood consumption, which may disrupt the human endocrine system.
Waste Management: The plastic classification and recycling system is not commonly adopted. If not properly recycled, it will take up to 200 years to degrade into microplastics with plastic pollution, whereas paper straws often decompose in 2-6 weeks or can be upcycled for other usages.
Cost of Production: The average cost to produce a single paper straw is typically 2-5 times higher than the plastic straw. The specific number depends on each product/service provider's operational practices and may vary significantly.
According to scientific consensus, the use of plastic straws is largely unnecessary and harmful and should be banned since it contributes significantly to environmental pollution. Therefore, various alternatives come up in the market, such as Lignose cellulose straws (LCSs), Wheat straws, Bamboo straws, Metal Straws, Glass Straw, Edible Straws, etc. Similar to paper straws, these alternatives emit higher greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions than plastic ones.
So far, we have explored the positive and negative impacts of purchasing the same product with different materials. Each material has its own advantages and drawbacks. Instead of finding the perfect solution, the more pragmatic practice is to take corrective action that will minimize the negative impacts of the material you choose.
As climate stakeholders, we should be aware that the purpose is our goal, whereas the process and the materials are the methods. The best climate practice does not necessarily relate to the material itself. If positive climate impacts are the top priorities, a "no straw" policy by using the innovative reusable bottle design for our drinks may be an even greater climate practice.
