Various bans on plastic straws are backed by good intentions, yet, these efforts could be tailored to better causes. Alternatives to plastic straws can have larger environmental footprints than their plastic counterparts and usually have much higher costs. Meaningful policy changes will only come as private businesses incentivize individuals to change their plastic consumption and disposal habits, not from increasing the regulation around the use of straws.
Read the full piece as it was published by the Star Tribune.
CGO scholars and fellows frequently comment on a variety of topics for the popular press. The views expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Center for Growth and Opportunity or the views of Utah State University.