How many times a day do you have something to drink? A straw might not be needed for you, For most people, drinking is as easy as picking up a glass and taking a sip. For many of us with physical disabilities, drinking requires a straw.
Too often people who have disabilities refuse a drink because of the difficulty. Across social media and various regions such as Seattle, the government wants to eliminate plastic straws in order to protect the environment. In theory, eliminating plastic straws for the environment is a plus, but for humans it’s a definite negative.
The Last Plastic Straw and the Plastic Pollution Coalition are working together to ban plastic straws.  The movement gained momentum on social media and Democrat leaders.  The negative is simple – people with physical disabilities need to drink and for many, the only way to drink i with a straw. Holding a cup to the mouth is impossible for people with dexterity problems. I have a difficult time controlling my arms, let alone my head, to hold still for a drink without a straw.
Straws are important
For example, a few years ago, I went to the Philadelphia Zoo. When lunch time came, I ordered a drink only to be told that the zoo no longer carried plastic or any type of straws.  I felt hot, and I couldn’t go the entire day without drinking. My mom carefully poured my drink into my mouth. Each time she tried, most of the fluid went on my clothes instead of my mouth. Yes, I should have carried straws with me, but at the time, I didn’t have them. I drank what I could but made up for the lack of drinking elsewhere when I could have a straw.
I am not oblivious to why people want straws to be eliminated especially if they aren’t necessary to some. Environmentally speaking the less plastic in nature, the better the planet. However, people need to be considered first. I don’t believe it is necessary to ban all straws from public places. But, the place could make it a rule that people must ask for a straw at the register. Those that don’t need one will probably not request one. This should solve the problem for everybody involved. Less straws means less waste, but people who need them can still have them.Â
Paper straws aren’t good for those who accidentally bite down.  I used one at a restaurant and ended up accidentally eating it. Metal straws hurt the teeth if clamped down too hard.
What can a person who needs straws do to ensure that they have them as needed? I carry a book bag with me, and I always make sure that I have a bag of straws inside. I’m trying to avoid another day without a drink like at the zoo. Put them in your glove compartment also because you’ll always have them. Just make sure you replenish as needed. Water bottles can now be fixed on your wheelchair with a reusable straw. It can go wherever you go, and after you have someone fill it up for you. Mine lasts me all day long.
Environmental reasons
I am too environmentally aware of plastic waste. Although I don’t want to eliminate straws everywhere, I do my best by using reusable straws whenever I can. Next time you hear someone who wants to eliminate straws, please educate them and find a compromise to make a win-win situation.
Banning Straws Will Not Save The Oceans
