U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order promoting the use of plastic drinking straws, reversing policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics. The move comes as several countries enforce bans on non-biodegradable plastics.
The new order, signed on Monday, encourages federal agencies and consumers to purchase plastic straws, undoing a Biden-era initiative to phase out all single-use plastics on federal lands by 2032.
Trump’s policy shift contradicts a global trend of plastic bans, following the United Nations' 2018 call for a worldwide cleanup of plastic pollution. Multiple countries have since restricted or banned single-use plastics, citing environmental damage and food contamination risks.
Among the nations enforcing bans:
Nigeria (2024) – Nationwide ban expanded from government offices.
India (2022) – Prohibited plastic straws, cups, and cigarette packs.
France (2021) – Banned plastic straws, cups, and cutlery.
England (2020) – Banned plastic straws and stirrers.
Kenya (2020) – Extended restrictions to include plastic straws.
China (2020) – Announced a phased ban on single-use plastics.
Several U.S. cities, including Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York, had already introduced restrictions on plastic straws before the federal reversal.
Environmental advocates warn that Trump's policy may increase plastic waste, while supporters argue it protects consumer choice and business interests.
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