Plastic Straws Are Back! Why This & Paper Straws AREN'T the Answers

We live in a world where, sometimes, what is convenient clashes with what’s good for our health and the environment.
President Trump's executive order declaring, "We're going back to plastic straws," highlighted the frustration many feel with paper alternatives that "don't work" and "explode [1]." However, this convenience comes at a cost to our health and planet. Recent studies have shown that most paper straws contain PFAS, or "forever chemicals," while plastic straws contribute to microplastic pollution [2][3]. The solution? Platinum-grade silicone and stainless steel straws have entered the chat. It’s the last straw for paper and plastic. Here’s why you should ditch disposable straws and start carrying your own with you! 

Trump’s Executive Order on Paper Straws

Climate change is here, and we must do our part to reduce our carbon footprint. In 2017, Americans were using 50 million plastic straws per year, contributing 8.3 billion tons of plastic straws to the ocean [4]. 

To combat this dire issue of single-use plastics, President Biden made policies that mandated federal buildings to use paper straws. On February 10, 2025, President Trump made an executive order overturning the ban on plastic straws in federal buildings. 

Trump criticized paper straws as ineffective, claiming they “don’t work” and dissolve too quickly—an experience many Americans can relate to. While his frustrations resonate, the move to reinstate plastic straws raises concerns about their environmental toll, particularly their contribution to ocean pollution and harm to marine life.

While President Trump focused on the practical use of plastic vs. paper straws, there is another issue that needs to be brought to light. Paper straws aren’t as eco-friendly as they seem. Let’s take a closer look! 

Do Paper Straws Have PFAS In Them?

Nobody loves a soggy paper straw. Well, get ready to dislike them even more. As the straw disintegrates, it leaves behind forever chemicals. 

A study published in August 2023 found that 90% of paper straws tested contained Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) [1]. In fact, paper had more PFAS than bamboo and plastic. PFAS are commonly used in stain, grease, and water-resistant products. These harmful chemicals are often used to line straws. They create a barrier that helps slow down the beverage and prevents the straw from falling apart. 

PFAS were also detected in 80% of bamboo straws and 75% of plastic straws, showing that the issue isn't limited to paper alternatives alone.

The presence of PFAS in our everyday items is particularly worrying because of their potential health risks. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health issues, including decreased fertility in women, developmental problems in children, and even increased risk of certain cancers [5][6][7].

We highly recommend avoiding PFAS as much as possible. In addition to straws, PFAS are prevalent in nonstick cookware, food wrappers, outdoor clothing, stain-resistant furniture, and water.

Cook organic, whole foods as often as possible using stainless steel, ceramic, and glass cookware. Consider filtering your water. 

Also, be selective with your furniture and clothing purchases. Not everything needs stain, flame, or grease resistance properties!

Why Are Plastic Straws So Bad?

Plastic straws are back! This is the sequel we didn’t ask for.

Plastic straws might seem superior to paper straws with PFAS. Just because plastic straws don’t fall apart doesn’t mean they aren’t contaminating your drinks. 

Plastic straws are typically made from polypropylene, a type of plastic that contains chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and polystyrene. When we use these straws, these chemicals can leach into our beverages. These concerns worsen if you’re drinking something hot or acidic, like coffee, soda, or juice. 

And let's be honest, who hasn't absentmindedly chewed on a straw while deep in conversation? This habit can release even more of these potentially harmful substances directly into our mouths.

Plastic straws are a major contributor to the broader issue of single-use plastics polluting our oceans. These lightweight tubes often end up in waterways, where they break down into tiny particles called microplastics. 

These microplastics are now found everywhere - in the fish we eat, the water we drink, and wind up in human blood and tissue. It's a sobering thought that the straw we use for a few minutes could persist in the environment for hundreds of years, potentially harming marine life and ecosystems along the way.

What to Use Instead of Plastic or Paper Straws?

So, paper vs. plastic straws - who is the winner? How about neither? The real winners in the straw debate of 2025 are stainless steel and platinum-grade silicone straws. 

Stainless steel straws are durable, easy to clean, and won't leach harmful chemicals into your drinks. They're perfect for cold beverages and can last for years with proper care. However, be cautious when using them with hot drinks. Take it from us -- stainless steel conducts heat well and could potentially burn your mouth!

Silicone straws, on the other hand, are flexible, heat-resistant, and safe for both hot and cold drinks. They're also gentle on teeth and great for kids! 

When choosing silicone straws, opt for high-quality, food-grade, or platinum-grade silicone options. Having those words on the packaging ensures that the straw was made without the use of harmful chemicals. 

To check the quality of your silicone straws, try the "pinch test." Gently pinch or twist the straw and observe its color. If it remains unchanged, you've got a high-quality product. If it turns white, it might contain fillers and may not be the safest option. 

How Do I Use A Stainless Steel or Silicone Straw In Public?

Single-use straws are so 2017. Sip down a tasty drink without exposing yourself to microplastics and PFAS. Refresh yourself with a tasty beverage while slurping down on stainless steel and food-grade silicone straws…even after hitting the drive-thru. Here are some tips for drink safety! 

Always Be Prepared for a Bevy Run

Do you never leave home without your chapstick or gum? Add your handy dandy straw to that list of must-haves.

Keep a reusable straw in your bag or car. Wrap it in a small cloth or store it in a dedicated case to keep it clean. This way, you're ready for any unexpected beverage stops.

Say “No” At Drive-Thrus

Did you know that even touching a straw can cause you to absorb some unwanted chemicals? Just say, “No!”

When receiving your order, simply mention that you have your own straw. Most places are happy to accommodate this eco-friendly choice.

Go Au Natural with No Straw

Dining out is a fun activity, and it’s one where we have little control over how our drinks are crafted or the way they are served. If you know your beverage typically comes with a straw in it, kindly ask the waitstaff not to include the straw. 

If your drink comes with a straw, politely remove it and drink from the glass. Depending on where you are, you might even be able to use your own straw! 

Clean on the Go

Straws can harbor bacteria from water or become sticky from flavored beverages. Don’t sip down yesterday’s drink or mold. Clean as you go. 

If you have a platinum-silicone carrying case, consider throwing in a small straw brush to get the gunk out early. Then, give a deeper cleaning with soap and water at home. 

What If I Drink From A Plastic Straw?

When it comes to your health, one plastic straw probably won’t break the camel’s back. The goal is to minimize your intake so that too many plastic straws start to add up.

Balance is key. If you occasionally use a provided straw, don't stress. 

Focus on making healthy choices in other areas of your life, like eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly. These simple tasks can help your body process and eliminate toxicants, including BPA, commonly used in plastic straws.

Don’t Use Paper or Plastic Straws In Hot Beverages

When it comes to enjoying our favorite hot beverages, we might be unknowingly stirring up more than just flavor. Those convenient plastic stirrers and straws often provided with coffee and tea can pose hidden risks when exposed to high temperatures. 

Hot liquids act as catalysts, adding fuel to the breakdown of both plastic and paper materials. In plastic straws, this can lead to the release of microplastics. Meanwhile, paper straws could release PFAS. 

Fortunately, there are simple ways to enjoy our hot drinks more safely. Instead, use stainless steel or platinum-grade silicone straws or simply sipping directly from the cup. It's a small change in our daily routine that can have a positive impact on both our personal health and the world around us. After all, our morning coffee should energize us, not expose us to unnecessary risks.

Why Can’t Paper Straws Be Recycled?

Paper straws were supposed to be the answer to the plastic straws in landfills and oceans crisis. The theory was they’re more biodegradable than plastic. Truth be told, they contain forever chemicals, so paper straws are here for the long run, too!

What makes paper straws even more unsustainable is that they are not recyclable. Although recycling is supposed to transform used materials into new products, the process isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. 

Recycling facilities require clean, dry materials to function effectively. When we use paper straws, they absorb our beverages. Absorbing liquids will make paper straws too contaminated for most recycling processes. 

Even the paper fibers themselves have limitations. They can only be recycled a few times before becoming too weak to be useful.

Lastly, paper straws are often too small to be captured in sorting processes. This is one of the reasons why plastic straws are also not recyclable.

Test Yourself for BPA and Other Chemicals In Plastic

We understand that tackling plastic exposure can feel overwhelming. With microplastics seemingly everywhere, it's natural to wonder where to begin. Remember, every small step counts. That includes ditching plastic and paper straws and potentially traveling with your own stainless steel or food-grade silicone ones! 

If you're looking to make more targeted changes, consider empowering yourself with personalized data. Million Marker's Detect & Detox Test Kit offers a unique opportunity to understand your specific chemical exposures. 

By testing for BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals, you can identify your greatest sources of exposure and receive tailored recommendations to minimize your risks. This personalized approach allows you to focus your efforts where they'll have the most impact. With Million Marker, your journey toward a healthier, less plastic-filled life is more manageable and effective!

What Is Better, Plastic Straws or Paper Straws?

When it comes to choosing between plastic and paper straws, it's a bit like asking whether you'd prefer to be caught in a rainstorm without an umbrella or without a raincoat. Let’s face it -- neither option is ideal. 

Both types of straws pose risks to our health and the environment, albeit in different ways. Plastic straws contribute to microplastic pollution and can leach harmful chemicals, while paper straws often contain PFAS "forever chemicals" that can end up in our bodies and persist in the environment for generations.

Instead of debating which is the lesser evil, why not opt for a truly better alternative? Stainless steel and platinum-grade silicone straws offer durable, reusable options that are safer for both you and the planet. These alternatives don't leach chemicals into your drinks, can be used countless times, and significantly reduce waste. By making these small changes in our daily habits, we can take a big step towards protecting our health and our environment. 

Resources

[1] https://apnews.com/article/trump-plastic-straws-pollution-oceans-packaging-e64e2671bbf7f8a8abaec0d5a491f7de
[2] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19440049.2023.2240908
[3] https://www.newsweek.com/plastic-straws-bad-health-forever-chemicals-trump-2029521
[4] https://earth.org/data_visualization/the-anti-plastic-straw-phenomenon/
[5] https://mountsinaiexposomics.org/study-finds-exposure-to-pfas-found-in-everyday-products-is-linked-to-significantly-reduced-fertility/
[6] https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
[7] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-024-00742-2