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On Monday, February 10th, President Trump issued an executive order to end the procurement of paper straws in government. The order directs the federal government to stop purchasing paper straws and remove them from federal buildings. Additionally, it dictates the formation of a national strategy to “End the Use of Paper Straws in 45 Days” nationwide.

In response, Defend Our Health’s Director of Campaigns and Programs, Maya Rommwatt, said:

“People across the country understand the need for us to move away from the use of petrochemical plastics. We should not focus on expanding the use of toxic plastics but instead on solutions that move us towards more sustainable solutions. This Executive Order does nothing to solve the real issues facing Americans.

Imagine a world where our leaders marshaled their power to ensure that all Americans are safe from deadly air and water pollution, no matter where they live. The toxic pollution caused by plastics’ lifecycle directly harms communities in the Gulf South and other sacrifice communities across the country. Americans would be better served if they focused their attention and resources on real solutions that protect the health and environment of all Americans, not on propping up industries that seek to continue harming communities across the country. 

The people decided years ago about the need to reduce single-use plastics. People have worked hard to develop innovative and creative tools to reduce our reliance on toxic plastics, from local reuse systems to learning modules to help educate the public and students. We are building a safer world we all wish to live in, and would urge this Administration to focus on real issues.”