The president of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced plans to sign a decree that will reverse a measure introduced by his predecessor, Joe Biden. The measure promoted the use of paper straws instead of plastic straws. Trump’s decision aims to restore the use of plastic in disposable utensils within the country.
With this move, Trump is seeking to overturn the progress made towards reducing the use of single-use plastics. He made the announcement on his social media platform, stating “Back to plastic.” This decision is in line with his skeptical views on climate change, which he has previously referred to as a “scam.” Additionally, Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the oil and gas industry, which are key sectors for plastic production.
During his term in office, Biden had introduced a decree that aimed to progressively eliminate single-use plastics in federal agencies and departments. The goal was to reduce environmental pollution by 2035. However, the Trump administration is now reversing this policy in favor of traditional plastics.
In the United States, straws and other disposable utensils are a common part of daily life, driven by the “take away” culture and home meals. Nonetheless, plastic straws have become a prominent symbol of ocean pollution, prompting many countries and organizations to promote biodegradable alternatives.
By making this decision, Trump is once again challenging the ecological initiatives introduced by his predecessor. He is reinforcing his policy of supporting industries linked to fossil fuels and dismissing the transition to sustainable materials. This move is likely to have significant implications for the environment and the country’s approach to reducing pollution.