As Earth Day approaches, it is very important to remember the impact that everyday items can have on our environment. One of the biggest problems of environmental damage is plastic Paper straws are a solution to this problem. On the other hand, why is plastic so harmful, and are paper straws the answer?

Plastic is one of the most useful materials in our modern world, and its durability and versatility have made it a go-to choice for manufacturers and people. However, plastic is also incredibly harmful to the environment. When plastic is discarded, it can take many years to break down, and they eventually release harmful chemicals into the environment. These plastics enter the food chain and end up in the bodies of animals and humans. One of the biggest problems with plastic is that it is not biodegradable. This means that once it enters the environment, it stays there for a long time. Plastic can take anywhere from 450 years to over 1,000 years to fully decompose. It can cause significant harm to wildlife and their habitats. One solution is the use of paper straws instead of plastic ones. While paper straws may seem like a simple solution to the plastic problem, they also have flaws. For one, paper
straws are not as durable as plastic which means they can break down more quickly and end up in the environment. Paper straws also require production resources, contributing to deforestation and other environmental issues.

So, what can be done to fix the plastic problem? One solution is to reduce our use of single-use plastics like straws, bags, and water bottles. We can use reusable alternatives like metal straws, cloth bags, and refillable water bottles. Additionally, manufacturers can work to reduce the amount of plastic in their products, and governments can
implement policies to encourage these changes. Ultimately, the plastic problem is complex and requires a rounded approach. While paper straws may seem like a quick fix, they are not as big of a factor as it may seem. By working together to reduce our use of plastic and finding more sustainable alternatives, we can help protect our planet.