Can someone please clarify for me why some communities in the West Coast of USA banned plastic straws but not plastic "take-away" cups (that are also used only once)? I want to understand the logic that was used to do this. I've googled around for this, and while people like pmarca mock it, I've never found the original reasoning and logic for this action.
Plastic straws were banned because a video of a sea turtle with a straw stuck in it's nostril went viral and the decision was made based on emotions, not analysis. If it had been a plastic cup stuck on it's head, they would have banned cups instead. Too bad it didn't get a plastic tampon applicator stuck in it's nose, because I sure see a ton of them washed up on the beach, seems like a prime target to eliminate.
I have no answer but every time I get a cold drink at starbucks and see the new “no straw” lid (that seems to use as much or more plastic as the old lid + straw) I have the same question. It seems more about the “no straw” trend than about actually reducing plastic.
My pet theory is that the 'no plastic straw' movement was started by someone as a sick joke to see how far people would take a silly idea to feel like they are helping save the environment.
