Why We Need to Rethink Our Straw Usage: Plastic vs. Paper Straws
Explore the environmental impact of plastic vs. paper straws, discussing alternatives like papaya leaf stems, silicone straws, and stainless-steel straws. Reflect on the importance of making sustainable choices and reducing single-use plastics in our daily lives.
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Presentation Transcript
Thought for the Week: 8th July Why do we need to look after our world?
Read through the information and talk about our own experiences of plastic and paper straws. Do we notice the difference? Do we think it s a big inconvenience to use paper over plastic? We use an estimated 8.5 billion plastic straws every year in the UK. They're among the top 10 items found in beach clean-ups and it s estimated that they take up to 500 years to decompose as most straws are made from plastics called polypropylene and polystyrene. Do you think more needs to be done to reduce this excessive use? Do you think we should try other kinds of straws i.e. papaya leaf stems, bamboo, wheat (a straw straw!), biodegradable straws. Some people argue that silicone straws could be an alternative because they produce 9 times less greenhouse gases, so they are a more sustainable choice. What about stainless-steel straws? Discuss the pros and cons of each. Can there ever be something to suit everyone and satisfy environmental concerns? Do you think we need to use straws when we buy takeaway drinks? Can you think of any alternatives to this disposable culture? E.g. should we carry around reusable containers to use when purchasing drinks?
McDonald's is being called on to stop its introduction of paper straws in the UK, amidst claims that they dissolve in drinks. The restaurant is switching from plastic to paper straws at all of their 1,361 restaurants after customer pressure. An online petition calling for a return to plastic straws has so far gathered more than 40,000 signatures. McDonald's have said they are "doing the right thing" while some customers feel that their needs should be considered. Do you use paper straws?
Reflection There will be times when we have a choice between what s easiest for us, and what s better for the world we live in. As many plastics take very long periods of time to decompose and not all can be recycled, it s important we think carefully about when we use them.
