Fresno State joined a movement in California to do its part in implementing environmentally-conscious practices when it enforced a straw restriction at the Dining Hall beginning in the fall semester of 2018. There are no straws available for students to use there.
In a follow-up on the campus’ progress in switching from plastic straws to compostable straws, these locations have contributed to the movement:
The Bucket, University Student Union’s lower level food court and Taco Bell all use the same brand of a compostable straw made from renewable resources by the brand Karat Earth.
At the Starbucks located in the Henry Madden Library, there are also compostable straws available for use made by a different brand. They also provide nitro lids, which are plasticlike and make it easier for consumers to drink out of their cups because of the way the lid is shaped.
These nitro lids are meant to be replacements for using a straw, and Starbucks locations across the nation have incorporated these recyclable lids with certain drinks.
Fresno State students were asked on Tuesday, April 9 about their opinions on switching from plastic straws to compostable paper and plasticlike straws instead. The eatery locations on campus, except for the Dining Hall, have all implemented compostable straws for everyone to use. Find out what they said below and keep an eye out for Collegian reporters looking for students to ask the next question soon.
“I like that they’re environmentally friendly. I just don’t like how they feel compared to plastic straws, I guess. But it’s not like a big difference.” –Lia Aldaz, business major 
“I like that it’s good for the environment. I dislike that they fall apart too easily if you don’t finish your drink within 10 minutes.” –Gabriella Ramirez, pre-vet major 
“I dislike the taste when they’re in my coffee. They taste all cardboardy and I don’t appreciate it too much.” –Logan Johnson, civil engineering major 
“Well, they’re just as accessible as any of the other straws. That’s about the only plus. It’s pretty much a downside on every other aspect. It’s like you look at your straw after you’re done and say, ‘Oh that looks nasty’ and it wears down after an hour. If it flattens you can’t drink out of it, which defeats the purpose of a straw.” –Mckenzie Olivas, business major 
“I don’t like the paper straws because, basically, I feel like I’m eating newspaper when I’m drinking out of my straw.” –Irene Cohen, communications major 
“Honestly, I didn’t even know that they switched. But I mean, they help free up the turtles so I’m not mad about that.” –Ashlee Reyna, business major