The Biden administration\u2019s plan to phase out single-use plastics<\/strong> in federal agencies has been overturned by Donald Trump<\/strong>, who signed an executive order<\/strong> allowing the return of plastic straws<\/strong>. Trump, criticising the move towards paper straws, called the ban a \u201cridiculous situation\u201d<\/strong>, claiming paper alternatives \u201cexplode\u201d and do not function properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision aligns with Trump\u2019s longstanding opposition to restrictions on plastic use, a stance that has been welcomed by the plastics industry<\/strong> but criticised by environmental advocates. The move also raises questions about its impact on public health and marine pollution, given growing concerns over microplastics<\/strong> in ecosystems and human bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump<\/a>\u2019s rollback of the plastic phase-out<\/strong> comes amid growing scientific concerns over microplastic pollution<\/strong> and its potential health risks. Microplastics<\/strong>\u2014tiny plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic waste\u2014have been found in air, water, and human bodies<\/strong>, including the brain, bloodstream, and reproductive organs<\/strong>, according to multiple studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While paper straws have been promoted as an alternative, a 2023 University of Antwerp study<\/strong> found that many contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS<\/a>)<\/strong>, commonly known as \u201cforever chemicals\u201d<\/strong>, due to their non-biodegradable nature. These chemicals, also found in plastics, have been linked to immune suppression<\/strong>, hormonal imbalances<\/strong>, and reduced vaccine response<\/strong>, according to environmental toxicologists.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"