TIL that the metal straw craze did nothing for long-term waste
When everyone was buying metal straws, it felt like a win for the planet. Now, I find them stuffed in junk drawers, never used. My local shops actually threw out more plastic after the trend faded because they stocked extra. This quick fix let people think they solved the problem without real action. Lasting change needs better rules on plastic production, not just swaps. So, the hype might have even slowed progress by making us complacent. Viral moments come and go, but trash stays around for years.