Some people are skeptical about biodegradable materials, but honestly, ten years ago nobody believed paper straws would catch on either. I think if we can turn leftover plant waste like grapevines into something useful, there's a real chance to start phasing out throwaway plastics in the kinds of products we only use once and forget.
Paper straws are horrible, I don't think they should be chosen as a counterexample to skepticism about biodegradable materials.
Agree. Give me a metal one or design the cups so that I don't need one at all.
You can buy reusable metal straws online or from a variety of retailers today, and you can remove (or refuse) the lid to a cup, at which point it can be used without a straw.
Another option would be to buy canned beverages rather than fountain drinks.
Canned beverages also include a plastic lining.
I can't belive that people have been fooled by the environmental credentials of "paper" straws.