“Replace PLASTIC straw with PLASTIC lid? What logic?” — Netizens on McDonald’s’ move to replace straws with sippy lids

Singapore — With more and more food establishments ditching plastic straws to save the turtles and the environment, McDonald’s has announced it was replacing its plastic straws with sippy lids for cold beverages.

The announcement has sparked an online debate among netizens, with some questioning the logic behind replacing plastic with plastic.

“Our last straw effort,” wrote McDonald’s Singapore wittily on Facebook on Dec 9. “Small changes can make a big difference. This is our last straw effort…towards zero waste for a better planet. Stay tuned!” it added.

And then in an update on Friday (Dec 10), the fast-food giant confirmed that it was switching to strawless lids for all cold beverage paper cups as part of its collective journey towards a greener planet.

“Replaces plastic straws with plastic lids,” said Facebook user Radha Krishna. Another netizen asked, “And the lid is plastic?”

“No to plastic straw, YES to plastic lid,” noted Facebook user Nic Ng.

“Replace PLASTIC straw with PLASTIC lid? What logic?” asked netizen Zaini Zailani.

Others provided alternatives such as paper straws or removing lids altogether for dine-in purchases.

“Please replace your plastic straws with paper straws, as this is more convenient for your customers to drink your beverages, especially the milkshakes and the ice-blended ones,” suggested Niki Ng.

“They have been using plastic lids for a long time, same as other fast-food restaurants, but at least they saved the plastic from the straws. Every little bit counts,” said a netizen. “By having such lids, makes it easier for the consumer to drink, unlike others where you have to take the whole lid off to drink and risk spillage. They can do without lids for dine-ins. At least it’s a smarter initiative.”

“Don’t,” said Facebook user Yash Lawrence. “The best thing I like about you is your iconic straw, perfect diameter, thickness, firmness and length. Straws have their purpose. If you really choose to go green, go cardboard style instead.”

Meanwhile, McDonald’s clarified in a comment that straws will still be available to those who need them.

“As much as we would like to discourage the use of straws, we would still be able to offer straws to customers who need them at our front counter. Hope this helps!” /TISG

Read related: KF Seetoh on banning plastic bags: “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing”

KF Seetoh on banning plastic bags: “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing”