U.S. President Donald Trump has been in the news for his policies since taking office last month. Like during his previous term, Trump has issued some surprising orders while following his “America First” policy. Recently, Trump announced that he is banning the use of paper straws in the U.S. He stated that paper straws do not work and don’t last long. Instead, he wants people to use only plastic straws.

In signing an executive order that reverses previous policies, Trump said, “It’s a bad situation. We’re going back to using plastic straws.” The order directs government agencies to stop purchasing paper straws and ensures that they will no longer be provided in government offices. Trump expressed on Monday that he believes continuing to use plastic is fine. It’s worth mentioning that Trump has long opposed paper straws. Earlier, he criticized President Joe Biden’s plans to reduce plastic use in a social media post.

How Dangerous Is Single-Use Plastic? It is important to note that plastic straws and other single-use plastics are considered the leading causes of ocean pollution and harm to marine life. Several U.S. states and cities have already banned plastic straws. Experts say that every minute, an amount of plastic equivalent to a garbage truck enters the ocean from sources like plastic straws, bags, toothbrushes, bottles, and packaging. As these items make their way into the ocean, microplastics end up in the stomachs of fish, birds, and other animals. Since they are part of the food chain, they soon affect humans as well.

Experts Have Warned Experts have issued warnings regarding Trump’s move. Christy Levitt, Director of the Plastics Campaign at the environmental group Oceana, said, “President Trump is moving in the wrong direction on single-use plastics. The world is facing a plastic pollution crisis, and we cannot ignore one of the greatest threats we face.”