I tried a bite out of those biodegradable chopsticks that are in fact thin breadsticks. Really hard and no taste, makes sense because they wanted them to last while you use them unlike FUCKING PAPER STRAWS.
paper straws are such a performative "fix" it's 100% an excuse to find a way to LOOK like you give a fuck about the environment without putting in the effort or materials needed to accomplish the task
if your paper straws are shit all you're doing is still making people turn to plastic, except now with the pretence that they're bad people for doing it, especially when the cup, lid and the bag everything came delivered in was still plastic anyway
i've seen and used really good paper straws, they're made from durable cardboard-like paper, even last for a second drink, it's doable but almost no shop that's been mandated to order paper straws by some up their own ass environmental opportunist under threat of a fine or something will bother to order the good stuff
why is nobody adopting glass straws? i mean, obviously it won't work with takeaway, but in sit down locations like bars/restaurants/cafes and the likes, they'd be excellent! don't taste bad, don't rot or rust, last long, easy to clean, and if produced properly they won't break easily
metal isn't a bad option too, we already use metal utensils, what's wrong with straws?