Following the popularity of a video of a sea turtle with a straw stuck up its nose, environmental activists opposing the use of plastic straws gained traction.
Anti-straw campaigns led to companies and entire cities deciding that the best way to reduce their plastic is to stop using plastic straws. When I first heard of this, I was glad to hear that major companies such as Starbucks were taking action for the environment. Of course, it is amazing that so many people care about turtles and want to help; however, for many people with disabilities, plastic straws are not just a matter of saving marine life but can be a matter of a nutritional lifeline.
Plastic single-use straws, specifically those that bend, are essential for those with limited mobility. Chronic illnesses can make the body so weak that they are unable to physically hold the drink and tip it back, or perhaps even to sit up to take a drink.
Photo courtesy of Flickr
Why renewable straws are not an option
There have been many videos and articles by the disabled community explaining why plastic straw bans are detrimental and why alternatives may not suit people with certain disabilities. Reusable straws can be hard to clean and sterilize. Paper straws will get soggy or disintegrate, which is problematic for those that can take a longer time to drink or those with allergen issues. Metal straws are usually inflexible, so they are difficult to use for those with mobility-related impairments, and there are also potential dangers for people with difficulties controlling their bite- they could either damage teeth or destroy the straw.
The community has put thought and research into finding a material that could suitably replace the usefulness of plastic straws in every circumstance, which is illustrated in the form of a convenient chart by disability activist Sarah Packwood.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Packwood @_sbsmith via Twitter
We can help the environment and still be inclusive
Single-use plastic items such as straws, plastic utensils and bags, etc. are definitely a problem. It is important to point out how significant single-use plastics are in our lives and how much they impact our oceans.
Questioning our straw use is the first step to asking about our environmental impact as whole. It could also bring attention to the more prevalent pollution in the ocean, such as fishing nets that make up 46% of the Pacific Garbage Patch.
Personally, I do own a reusable straw, but that is only because I can use a reusable straw, and if you are able bodied, you can do the same. You are missing the point when you tell a person with a disability who already struggles with an inaccessible world to accommodate to the latest environmental trend. We should hold companies accountable for their actions, not individuals.
The disabled community must be part of the conversation when it comes to implementing laws and legislation. As an abled person I can give them a voice, but that is not what they need. They need a seat at the table. This problem with the plastic straw ban is just an example of how important it is for the disabled community to be heard.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Robbins for Eater