ELi5: How did plastic straws specifically become targeted for eco-friendly banning, but similar disposables like plastic forks and spoons didn’t?

Question

ELi5: How did plastic straws specifically become targeted for eco-friendly banning, but similar disposables like plastic forks and spoons didn’t?

In: Culture

Answer 1

I would guess the sheer volume. Every fast food restaurant gives out plastic straws with every drink. How many give out plastic ware?

Every convenience store and gas station has a soda fountain and straws. How many have plastic ware?

Most sit down restaurants have plastic disposable straws and metal flatware.

If you go anywhere and get a fountain drink, you get a plastic straw. But how often do you see plastic ware? Pretty unusual outside of places like KFC or Wendy’s.