In 2022 the New South Wales Government banned single-use plastics, including bags, straws, cotton buds, plates, bowls, and cutlery.

A significant stand in the war against plastic waste, by phasing out these harmful plastics we are expected to stop 2.7 billion single-use items from ending up in our natural environment and waterways over the next 20 years.

Which is perhaps why I feel somewhat guilty when I quietly observe that paper straws suck – and I don’t mean in the way that they are meant to.

So far my paper straw experience has resulted in either:
1. Accidentally ripping the straw in half while removing the hygienic paper wrapper.
2. Despite the gentlest of touch, reducing the straw to a soggy paper mess before the drink is even halfway through.

And so now I have turned into some kind of anti-environmental criminal who furtively grabs two or three straws – not for some indulgent whim – but to simply make it to the bottom of the drink.

There’s no doubt that tackling harmful single-use plastics is a game-changer in the fight against plastic waste, but there’s got to be a solution to the plastic straw dilemma.

Bring back the chocolate wafer straws of my childhood I say: at least it will put a smile on my face and I’ll have an extra something to munch on if I can’t get to the bottom of the drink.