Sipping in the Dilemma on Reusable Straws
By: Raymond L. Temporosa
Grade Level: Grade 8
Topic: Impact of Human Activities in an Ecosystem
Target Competency:
Suggest ways to minimize human impact
on the environment.
Recently, the Bacolod City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance
prohibiting the distribution and use of plastic straws in the city. The ordinance was helmed
by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr.
Councilor Gamboa pointed out that there are environmentally-friendly straws that can be
used as an alternative to plastic straws. He was very firm in stressing out that this
ordinance aims to reduce and eventually eliminate the plastic trash that pose severe harm
in our environment.
According to the Section 6 of this ordinance, vending or selling, delivering or deploying
and giving or distributing for any purpose of plastic straws, whether or not to be used for
any kind of beverage is prohibited in our city. While the Section 7 of the same ordinance,
states that subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations, any plastics straws found in
violation to this Ordinance shall be confiscated and be deposed of in accordance to
Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
The said ordinance easily made a buzz on our city’s growing food businesses. One
famous fast food chain already initiated a “no-straw policy” campaign in all of their
branches across metro Bacolod. And because of the so called “trend” they started, other
food chains and franchises are vastly adapting and following it.
The sudden change in the food market, brought forth the rise of the “insta-famous”
reusable straws. There are currently a lot of reusable straws available in the market. A
variety of them became available for the consumers. And though they are reusable, there
are still disadvantages that comes with it.
One example of reusable straws are the metal straws or stainless steel straws. Metal
straws are available everywhere, and some are cheaper than others. Stainless steel is
the most basic durable material that resists oxidation and corrosion. Made of food grade
material, a 304 stainless steel straw is a safe and affordable option to drink out of.
However, it’s not as resistant to heat and scratches along with the sulfuric and fatty acids
from food and drinks when compared to the safer, pricier 316L medical grade stainless
steel straw. We might well be eating and drinking at the same time, so there’s lots of
opportunities for chemical reactions. Another disadvantage of a metal straw is that it isn’t
transparent which means you cannot see the inside. Chances are there might be still
some dirt left inside even though it was already cleaned using a brush.
Another kind of reusable straw is the glass straw. At first we tend to think that it’s kind of
weird that fragile glass become an option for reusable straws. But digging deeper into the
components of food that we consume, somehow it makes sense. We sometimes
consume a lot of acidic drinks, and the resistance of the glass to corrosion from acidity is
a strength that stainless steel ultimately can’t really compare with. Stainless steel is still
prone to heavy metal problems. Besides, glass straws are made with chip and shatter-
resistant materials or even heat-resistant borosilicate material, so that users can stir their
drinks with ease. And since glass straws are transparent, unlike metal straws, users can
also be assured that the inside is squeaky clean! But on the other side, glass straws are
also breakable, which make it not safe for children and for travelling.
Third on the list are the bamboo straws. If you are serious about choosing all-natural, eco-
friendly products, consider bamboo straws, which come from more sustainable production
processes and have a better after-life. However, the catch is users need to clean and dry
their straw properly in order to avoid mold and bacteria and to ensure health and safety.
Also a few people who tried these straws said they had a "bit of a woody taste", but others
didn't taste anything at all. This probably depends on the person and the beverage.
We also have on the list of reusable straws the Titanium Straws. First, titanium is tasteless
and odorless, which means it won't affect your beverage's taste. Also, it has very low
thermal conductivity, which means your Titanium Straw will resist getting too cold or too
hot (depending on your beverage of choice). Titanium is also super strong and light
weight, which means you can stab it right into the fruit you wish to drink. But same with
metal straws, it isn’t transparent and is a bit expensive.
After reading the claims, the pros and cons of the reusable straws enumerated, are we
genuinely helping the environment or just joining in with the hype?
Questions:
1.) Do you agree on the city ordinance implemented by the councilor? Why or Why not?
2.) Do you think the usage of these reusable straws are sustainable? Why or why not?
3.) Considering all the pros and cons presented among the reusable straws, which do
you think is the best option?