Climate change is currently a huge topic of conversation because now is the time when several brands are choosing to do their part to help the environment. Many big companies are promising to cut down on plastic and unnecessary waste as they aim to stop polluting our world. In the last year, for instance, tons of chains have made the decision to start getting rid of plastic straws, and McDonald’s is one of them.
In March 2019, the fast food giant announced that they would begin phasing out plastic straws in their United Kingdom restaurants. They planned to introduce new paper straws in May, keeping the plastic straws behind the counter and only giving them out if customers asked for them. It was a big step for such a big franchise, and a policy that they also plan on testing out in the United States later this year. They’ll be opting for plastic straw alternatives here within the next few months.
McDonald’s has already begun phasing out their plastic straws in the United Kingdom… and this has led to some unexpected activity. The straws are currently being auctioned off in the U.K. for a lot of money.
Apparently, a lot of McDonald’s fans are not thrilled with the chain’s idea to get rid of plastic straws and replace them with paper straws. In April, more than 40,000 people signed a petition to get rid of the new paper straws, complaining that they dissolve in drinks, especially when they get a milkshake.
Yo @McDonaldsUK how I meant to drink my milkshake outta this lmao. Stop with the paper straws... pic.twitter.com/qKsH3cJ8hB
— Joe Gomez (@joegmez) April 21, 2019
Some of the McDonald’s locations in the U.K. are still giving out plastic straws, and they’re now in high demand. So high, in fact, that they’re being auctioned off on eBay.
The Mirror reported that there’s at least one eBay user selling a McDonald’s straw in its original wrapper for – wait for it – €1,000, which is about $1,118 U.S. dollars.
The post on eBay reads, “Brilliant uncirculated brand new McDonald’s straw this is soon to become the stuff of legend, imagine your about 50 years older than you are now, telling your grandchildren how you got given plastic straws from McDonald’s and they will look up to you like god!”
That is… a little crazy.
In case you were thinking no one would ever be silly enough to spend over $1,000 on a straw, trust us: there’s a possibility it could happen. Portsmouth’s The News found a seller selling a 37-pack of straws, and there are actual bids that have so far hit £520, which is about $673 US dollars.
So why are people flipping out over paper straws so much? Apparently, they really, really don’t like them.
Some people are saying that they aren’t finishing their drinks because they can’t use the paper straws. So they’re basically just wasting their money.
Users are complaining that they change the taste of the milkshakes. That seems kind of odd.
One consumer compared the paper straw to drinking through a tampon. That’s… interesting.
I’ve never wanted to know what sucking on a tampon is like, but now I’ve tried the new cardboard drinking straws at McDonalds I’ve got a pretty good idea.
— Ray Gillies-Jones (@RayGilliesJones) April 22, 2019
McDonald’s doesn’t seem to be interested in backing down, though. They’ve defended their paper straws in a statement.
A spokesman told Mirror Online,
“Our suppliers have made us paper straws that last at least 30 minutes in most, if not all liquids. They were introduced following customer feedback, and we are pleased to be doing the right thing in removing plastic.”
And not all hope is lost. Some Twitter users are congratulating McDonald’s for getting rid of plastic straws and making fun of those who are complaining.
I tested the @McDonalds paper straw today and my conclusion is they are FINE so get over it. Some physical deformation due to the sucking required on the milkshake but no dissolving here. Maybe if you don't chew on it like a baby you'll be alright 👍 @aplastic_planet 🌍 pic.twitter.com/qmBoOIn0uo
— Rachel (@rachee_lou) April 26, 2019
A lot of users have pointed out that people who don’t like the paper straws have the choice to not use a straw at all. Apparently, people have forgotten about that!
Apparently people WANT @McDonalds plastic straws back because the paper ones' quality isn't good enough. Really? Did you know that you can drink with your mouth? It's good that they are reacting to polluted oceans rather than complaining because they can't drink out of a straw. pic.twitter.com/fNfT99J5wM
— TheClemenTiger (@Clement60610815) May 1, 2019
One user said everyone who is complaining is just being whiny, basically. Which sounds a little true.
Just had a drink from McDonalds and managed to drink the whole thing through the paper straw without whining. Snowflake generation this. Grow up.
— tin man (@callumtinmanwun) May 1, 2019
A lot of people have pointed out how bad plastic straws are for the environment. Is it really that big of a sacrifice to give them up?
If you’re one of the 30k people who have signed the petition for @McDonalds to bring back plastic straws because it “ruins your drink”, your priorities need a serious looking at - your plastic straw aids in ruining the planet, so suck it up and use a god damn paper straw 🥤
— Will 🦇 (@saddexter) April 23, 2019
Still, some users think there are probably better alternatives out there. They don’t think banning plastic straws is the answer.
This whole McDonalds straw debate is starting to irritate me. Yes paper straws are saving the environment/ turtles but they are annoying to drink out of... fact. you’s are aware that they still use plastic lids, plastic sauce pots, plastic spoons for McFlurrys and so on... soz😬
— lucy jane (@lucyfearonx) April 26, 2019
One user noted that you can buy your own metal straw. It’s easier to use and even better for the environment. And that would definitely be cheaper than spending $1,000 on a plastic straw from eBay!!
Bought a metal straw yesterday. Saves me using the shite paper ones at McDonalds, but also saves me using plastic ones else where.
— Jason (@JasonofSuburbia) May 1, 2019
Cheap and easy to clean too
It stinks to see people make this big of a deal over this small change. But it’s important to remember that even though we all have a long way to go when it comes to single-use plastic, this is one step that could still make a difference.
