President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week to end the federal procurement of paper straws.
The order, which claims that paper straws are “nonfunctional” and says it wants to end the “forced use” of them, immediately undoes part of a Biden-era initiative to eliminate single-use plastics, including straws, in all government operations by 2035. More broadly, Trump instructed White House staff and “relevant agencies” to issue a “national strategy to end the use of paper straws” within 45 days. The strategy would aim to eliminate all executive branch policies “designed to disfavor plastic straws” and address the federal government’s contracts with states and and other entities “that ban or penalize plastic straw purchase or use.”
People used to just drink out of real cups at home and eating out. Most didn’t have to constantly carry a drink around in public… what cavemen!
I feel the need for straws is only because there is too much darn ice in every drink by default when you’re out. People don’t use ice that much at home, do they? I hate watered down drinks, so I’m a no-icer to begin with, but I rarely notice others using ice so ubiquitously outside of restaurants or convenience stores.
More ice ⇒ less drink.
Also price of ice < price of drink.
This is somewhat secondary to me, as I don’t mind having a smaller drink (straight whiskey over a mixed drink) or paying more for more drink, but I do assume this is the reason why many places like fast food joints that normally had a help yourself beverage station are putting them behind the counter more often these days, to make getting a refill less convenient or unavailable.
The ice melting is actually factored into the flavor composition of the beverage, so if you’re not using ice, you’re likely drinking more concentrated sulfuric acid.
Probably why fountain drinks often taste better to me then.
I hope your sodas have phosphoric acid rather than sulfuric though! Last year I found an olde tyme soda foundtain in a pharmacy. They had all these flavored “phosphate” drinks and I started talking to the soda guy about it. Sensing my taste for adventure, he gave me a tiny bit of straight up phosphate in a sample cup. Not the greatest stuff straight up, but I poured it into my handmade soda (I believe raspberry) and it really enhanced the flavor. I probably added way too much for what they would serve, but I really liked it. It reminded me of Peychaud’s Bitters, which I am also a big fan of.
Ice overall seems a hassle to deal with and I still prefer the lack of dilution, even if accounted for. I much prefer a frosty mug or something out of the fridge/freezer if I require a cold drink. I really only want them super cold when it’s like 100 out though.
Ice is frustrating, but I can never think to ask for no ice, because I don’t put it in drinks I make.
I still remember the first time someone I was with ordered take out with no ice in the drink and my mind was blown! I thought it was mandatory since it in effect helps determine how much drink you were sold. 😆 I don’t typically forget, but if they give me ice anyway I just pour my drink out into a glass when I get home. My drink is already wet enough, thank you!