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If you thought you were saving turtles and the environment by choosing paper straws over plastic ones, think again. A European study has found that paper straws, previously dubbed as the ‘eco-friendly alternative,’ likely contain "forever chemicals" that are harmful to the environment and humans.

The study found that bamboo and paper straws contain Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are long-lasting and believed to be potentially destructive to human health.

"Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic," Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist, Ph.D., and study author, said in a statement. “However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that’s not necessarily true."

We actually didn't need a study to prove straw alternatives were worse for the planet. The production of paper straws means that fewer trees are available to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. How was this not obvious to environmentalists?

On top of all that, they are not a very practical product to begin with since the straw quickly turns into mush the moment it touches any liquid.

The clear lesson here is, ‘If it ain't broke, don't fix it.’