Trump signed an Executive Order to end the use of paper straws. Here’s what to know about the history of plastic straws.

President Donald Trump said Monday he is banning federal use of paper straws, saying they “don’t work” and don't last very long. Instead he wants the government to exclusively move to plastic. “It’s a ridiculous situation.

Moving away from single-use plastics, including straws, had been the policy of President Joe Biden’s administration. It cited harmful environmental impacts when they end up in landfills and oceans. Plus the fossil fuels used in the production of plastics send heat-trapping greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.