Explanation: Should NZ Ban Plastic Straws?

Banning plastic straws in New Zealand is a ridiculous idea, we’ve used them for years, why should we get rid of them now? Plastic straws are far better than their more expensive but less effective competition. Would you rather have a feel good item, (something that people say could save the lives of sea creatures because they’re biodegradable) or a plastic straw that doesn’t literally fall apart in your mouth?

If the government does ban plastic straws in New Zealand we’ll have to bring our own straws to fast food restaurants like Burger King and McDonald's. Also, every replacement for the plastic straw has a flaw; Paper straws break apart in your drink, metal straws can rust and bamboo straws need to be cleaned and dried. Not only that but all of the other options to a plastic straw cost more. Another thing is, if the government did ban plastic straws, what would they do with all the leftover ones?

Even though some environmentalists may say that getting rid of the straws could be beneficial to the health of sea creatures, the truth is that the majority of the plastic pollution in the ocean is from other larger plastic items. The main reason why plastic is so common is because it’s easy to make, and getting rid of the straws would use up different materials. Those different materials would come from things like trees and bamboo forests, and if they use the trees and bamboo, where would the birds go? What would pandas eat?

Although sea creatures might get injured or killed by the straws, pollution isn’t limited to just plastic, far worse pollutants like oil, sprays and chemical waste kill far more fish. So leave the poor straws alone, if you don’t like plastic straws, don’t use them. Don’t get rid of everyone else’s convenience just because a few people are throwing theirs into the water.