The Last Straw?
Thinking Beyond Paper vs Plastic
Last week, President Trump announced that he would sign an executive order to undo a Biden-era plan to phase out plastic straws.
Regardless of what we might think about Trump and his policies, this order deserves our attention. As the world's largest buyer of consumer goods, the US federal government's purchasing decisions ripple through markets and communities, shaping both policy and everyday choices.
We get why paper straws can be a convenient scapegoat in this debate. We've struggled with them too. They often dissolve and collapse after getting soggy. And ironically, they're frequently paired with plastic cups anyway! So it's easy to see why people can get frustrated and ask: what's the point??
Paper straws exemplify something we come across often: well-meaning solutions can undermine the cause they're trying to advance when they create too many practical difficulties for real users. The best solutions are both principled and practical. They meet rigorous health and environmental standards, and everyday needs.
The pushback on paper straws is understandable, but no, we’re not going back to plastic. Beyond its environmental impact, plastic can shed micro-particles and leach chemicals into our food and drinks — a risk we believe is best avoided as much as possible, especially when it comes to our children.
The good news? Parents don't have to choose between just plastic and paper for their little ones. This is not a binary choice.
Reusable straws made from food-grade silicone or stainless steel are great options to use at home or on the go. They're nontoxic, environmentally responsible, and they work well, offering a suitable solution for families and the planet.
At Haomomo, we try to approach these questions with a clear, practical, and non-partisan perspective. Our focus is simple: finding solutions that protect both our health and our environment without sacrificing functionality. Because the most meaningful changes often start with the small, everyday choices we make for our families.