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.”
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.