You generally cannot get plastic straws at McDonald's in many countries like Australia, Canada, and most of Europe, as they've switched to paper or other alternatives due to environmental goals, but you might find loopholes or exceptions depending on local laws (like requesting one in some US locations) or if you're in a region without such mandates. Most locations default to paper straws, which some customers find soggy and ineffective for thick drinks like milkshakes, leading to complaints and petitions for the return of plastic.
Yes, single-use plastic straws are effectively banned across Australia, with all states and territories implementing bans, though the specifics and timelines vary slightly, with most major bans in place or set to finalize by late 2025 for items attached to pre-packaged goods. While individual state bans started earlier (e.g., Victoria, WA in 2022; NSW by 2025), a national push aims to complete bans on attached straws by the end of 2025, with exemptions for disability/medical needs.
The reason ban was changed was because because fast food places argued it was unsafe to have people going thru a drive thru and trying to drink from a cup lifting it and blocking your view as they drove and was a liability to them if they were sued.
You won't be able to buy any of these products in shops other than pharmacies, though catering establishments will still be allowed to supply plastic straws to people that request one. All businesses that supply these products to customers are included in this ban, including retailers and restaurants.
Straws are not illegal statewide, but some cities have restricted or banned their use. For example, some cities only allow restaurants to offer straws if customers request them, while others have completely banned the distribution and sale of single-use plastic straws.
There is a risk when using straws of one or two teeth getting coated with the beverage because of where you position the straw. If the liquid is always hitting the same area, you could wind up with uneven staining or cavities in impacted teeth.
Many items seem recyclable but aren't, including soft plastics (chip bags, bread bags), soiled paper/cardboard (greasy pizza boxes, paper towels, tissues), small items (bottle caps, straws), ceramics/Pyrex, batteries, Styrofoam, nappies, and some mixed-material containers (coffee cups with plastic lining), as these contaminate loads or jam machinery, requiring special disposal.
Brissette says that sipping from straws delivers air into the digestive tract, which can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms, like, yes, gas and bloating. "When I'm counseling clients who are experiencing these symptoms, I always ask them about lifestyle habits, such as whether they drink from a straw often.
Executive Order 14208, titled "Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws", is an executive order signed by U.S. president Donald Trump in an attempt to end the use of paper straws and returning the use of plastic straws.
Anybody can request to purchase a package of SUP flexible straws from a retailer. This is because disabilities and medical needs can be visible or invisible.
Coca‑Cola 20oz bottles are now made from 100% recycled plastic (excluding cap and label) nationwide.
Items currently banned in Queensland: single-use plastic straws. single-use plastic stirrers. single-use plastic plates and bowls.
We have already removed plastic cutlery, straws and stirrers from our restaurants.
We've replaced straws altogether with sippy lids, while still offering paper straws for those who prefer to use one. We've also introduced recyclable and compostable packaging. We're taking steps to minimise waste and protect our planet.
While the issue had been fully contained — and any contaminated product associated with this issue had been removed from our supply chain as of October 22, 2024 – it can now be classified as “closed” and remediated. This also closes out all known public health reviews of the issue.
glass straws
Eco-friendly drinking straws made of glass are the most hygienic, healthy and sustainable option when it comes to drinking straw. This is because glass has an extremely smooth surface, is transparent and lasts a lifetime when treated with care.
In addition to causing digestive discomfort, frequent use of straws may also increase the risk of swallowing even more air, especially if you sip quickly. For this reason, avoiding straws is often recommended as a simple way to help minimize bloating and promote better digestive health.
Straws are often more hygienic than drinking directly out of a cup – helping protect you from exposure to bacteria. Canned beverages may have bacteria on the lid from manufacturing/handling and restaurant glassware may have been poorly cleaned around the top edge.
Recycling Tupperware poses challenges, such as: Mixed Materials: Items combining different plastics can complicate recycling. Food Residue: Leftovers or detergents might contaminate the recycling stream. Aging and Wear: Over time, some Tupperware items might not be recyclable due to wear or structural changes.
Ziploc® Paper Bags are recyclable through standard municipal recycling collection (i.e., blue bin). Look for the How2Recycle® label on your Ziploc® packaging for more details.
Now, toothpaste tubes are made from the same material as milk bottles using high-density polyethylene. This means all tubes, sold nationwide, are now technically 100% recyclable and can be recycled into a range of new items, from garden furniture and plastic piping to bleach bottles.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
When you eat sugary foods or sip sugary drinks for long periods of time, plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth.
Yes, most yellow teeth can become white again, with the best method depending on the cause, ranging from surface stains (coffee, tea, smoking) treatable with whitening strips or toothpaste to deeper intrinsic stains (aging, medication) that often require professional in-office whitening, custom trays, veneers, or bonding for significant results. Professional treatments offer faster, more dramatic changes, while consistent oral care and reducing staining agents help maintain whiteness.