Why We Can't Ban Plastic Straws | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why We Can't Ban Plastic Straws

I'm all for saving the environment, but we need plastic straws.

657
Why We Can't Ban Plastic Straws

I understand that our environment is in trouble and that one of the proposed solutions is banning plastic straws. Multiple companies are phasing out plastic straws and even cities like Washington D.C. have instituted bans against the straws.

So why not? Who needs straws?

A lot of people, actually.

While your life may not be changed by missing that green plastic straw in your Iced Coffee at Starbucks, it makes a huge difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

Sure, one may suggest that people can start using reusable straws, but what happens if you forget your straw? What if you weren't planning on needing it? Reusable straws also present a sanitation issue, as they need to be cleaned. Having a plastic straw, which is clean and sanitized out of the package, is much easier for everyone.

Why are we banning plastic straws when they are needed, not just wanted, by members of our society?

Our biggest problem isn't the plastic straw.

According to an article from American University Radio, "Worldwide, it's estimated that straws account for about 4 percent of plastic pollution found in oceans by volume, but less than 1 percent by weight."

A person shouldn't have to feel guilty for using a straw when they need one. One person shouldn't have to take the fall for a world full of people who aren't doing their part to help the environment.

Banning plastic straws may seem like a solution to our plastic problem, but not a suitable solution for everyone.

For more information on how banning plastic straws would impact persons with disabilities, view this article.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

113
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less
Aubrey Plaza
Flickr Creative Commons

Aubrey Plaza is one of my favorite humans in Hollywood. She's honest, blunt, unapologetic, and hilarious. I just started my sophomore year of college, and found that some of her best moments can accurately describe the start of the school year.

1. When your advisor tells you that you should declare a major soon.

2. Seeing the lost and confused freshmen and remembering that was you a short year ago, and now being grateful you know the ins and outs of the campus.

3. Going to the involvement fair to sign up for more clubs knowing that you are already too involved.

4. When you actually do the reading required for the first class.

5. Seeing your friends for the first time since last semester.

6. When you're already drowning in homework during syllabus week.

7. Realizing you don't have the same excitement for classes as you did as a freshman.

8. Going home and seeing people from high school gets weirder the older you get.

Keep Reading...Show less
graduation

Things you may not realize are different between high school and college:

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

20 Things You Forgot To Thank Your Mom For

Moms are super heroes dressed in yesterday's clothing and they deserve an award for that.

1382
family
Facebook

Dear Mom,

You took care of me and my brothers our entire lives and you still continue to! I will not be able to truly grasp all of the hard work that you put into this family until I create my own one day. But, I know that there are plenty of times I forgot to give you a simple thank you or an appreciative smile. I thank you for everything that you have done for me and will continue to do for me. Here are some examples of those times where you had my back and I forgot to pat your back for saving me:

Keep Reading...Show less
pumpkin
Holytaco.com

College is hard. As people ages 18-22, we’re just trying to figure out what we’re doing with our lives, our careers, our eating habits, exercise routines, sleep patterns, and other necessities for adult life. We definitely don’t take proper care of ourselves; it’s basically impossible when we have essays, tests and readings due and somehow we’re supposed to eat right, exercise and sleep. We’re doomed to get sick. I have zero experience in science but when I get sick there are certain things I do to make myself better.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments