We’ve all been there – sitting at a restaurant watching our straw slowly turn to mush in our drink. Indeed, it became an all-too-familiar ritual of dining out in Joe Biden’s America.

Restaurant patrons watch their straws dissolve into their drinks. Parents struggle to help their children drink smoothies. Small business owners face rising costs for basic supplies. And for what? Sound like common sense? Of course not.

But did anyone actually ask if these “environmentally friendly” alternatives were actually safe? As it turns out, the answer is a resounding no.

Now, President Donald Trump has taken decisive action to address this common complaint of everyday Americans. On Monday, he signed an executive order ending the federal government’s procurement and forced use of paper straws, citing both health concerns and practical considerations.

“The Federal government is directed to stop purchasing paper straws and ensure they are no longer provided within Federal buildings,” Trump’s executive order said. “The irrational campaign against plastic straws has forced Americans to use nonfunctional paper straws. This ends under President Trump.”

The Truth About Paper Straws

Here’s what the eco-warriors don’t want you to admit: A comprehensive Belgian study published in 2023 revealed that paper straws contain the highest levels of “forever chemicals” among all alternatives studied. This includes plastic, glass, and bamboo options. These chemicals can leach into beverages, potentially creating health risks for consumers.

Anyone who’s tried using these eco-activist approved straws knows exactly what I’m talking about. The White House order specifically addressed how environmental claims about paper straws don’t hold up under scrutiny.

“Paper straws are not the eco-friendly alternative they claim to be – studies have shown that producing paper straws can have a larger carbon footprint and require more water than plastic straws,” the order stated.

Yet another example of how left-wing environmental policies hurt everyday Americans: The financial burden of paper straw mandates extends beyond government facilities. Small business owners have been forced to pay premium prices for less effective products. Making matters worse, many paper straws come individually wrapped in plastic, undermining the very environmental benefits claimed by activists.

As of 2025, states including California and New Jersey maintain sweeping bans on single-use plastics, forcing restaurants to provide paper alternatives unless customers specifically request plastic options. These regulations have created additional costs for businesses already struggling with inflation and supply chain challenges.

Finally, Common Sense Returns

Finally, someone in Washington is standing up to the eco-activist agenda. The executive order represents a return to practical policymaking that considers both consumer needs and scientific evidence. Trump’s administration emphasized that environmental protection can be achieved without sacrificing functionality or imposing unnecessary costs on Americans.

“President Trump’s policies are promoting economic growth, while still maintaining standards that allow Americans to have among the cleanest air and water in the world,” the order noted, contrasting this approach with “the previous Administration, which wasted American taxpayer dollars on virtue signaling instead of implementing effective solutions.”

The move aligns with other Trump administration environmental initiatives that prioritize practical results over symbolic gestures, including improved forest management and energy independence policies.

As federal buildings transition back to more reliable options, the executive order sets an example for states and businesses to reevaluate their own policies based on scientific evidence rather than activist pressure. For millions of Americans who have struggled with disintegrating straws in their beverages, this change represents a victory for common sense over ideology.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump’s executive order ends federal paper straw mandates, protecting Americans from ineffective alternatives.
• Scientific research reveals paper straws contain dangerous “forever chemicals” absent in plastic versions.
• Biden-era environmental symbolism cost taxpayers millions while potentially harming public health.
• Conservative leadership prioritizes practical solutions over virtue signaling in environmental policy.

Sources: Daily Wire, The Guardian