Banning plastic straws on campus may not seem like a bad idea, especially considering the potential positive effects on the environment, but society should be careful and think first before hopping on this mainstream train.
Some people with physical disabilities rely on straws for their bendy features and tilted ends to be more independent and to drink from cups.
Reusable metal straws and biodegradable paper straws don’t have the flexibility and sturdiness that the plastic ones do.
If a soggy paper straw is annoying to you, imagine how it difficult it must be when it makes it hard to drink. If all plastic straws are to be eliminated, people with physical disabilities lose a small but handy and accessible object that helps them drink.
Businesses should follow the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and keep people with disabilities in mind when making these decisions for their companies.
Customers should stop shaming businesses that still carry plastic straws for this reason.
Just because it doesn’t affect you does not mean it doesn’t affect others.
As Carleton moves forward with its plastic straw boycott, the school must show consideration for stronger alternatives to plastic straws that would accommodate students with physical disabilities.
