Parents in Latvia voice frustration over paper straws causing hassle for kids

As across the European Union, plastic drinking straws in Latvia are increasingly being replaced by paper alternatives. The shift has sparked a lively discussion on the social platform Threads, where several users shared their frustration with how impractical paper straws can be in daily life, particularly around young children.

One participant, Dāvis, expressed sharp criticism, arguing that the switch to paper straws creates unnecessary difficulties for families with children. Another user, Līga, said she has found her own solution by keeping a bag of plastic straws both at home and in her car.

The discussion also touched on a similar issue with paper sticks used for frozen treats, which reportedly dissolve quickly before a child finishes eating. Cardboard lids on takeaway coffee cups were mentioned as well, with some users saying they find them unpleasant to drink from and preferring vending machines that still use plastic cups.

Not everyone in the discussion sees paper straws as a major problem — some pointed out that sugary drinks aren't essential and that water bottles don't require straws at all. Others noted that the fragility of paper straws has actually increased their household's straw consumption, since multiple replacements are often requested at once.

Why plastic is being replaced with paper

The restriction on plastic straws stems from the European Union's single-use plastics directive, aimed at reducing environmental pollution. Such items are typically used for only a few minutes but take a very long time to break down in nature, posing risks to ecosystems and wildlife. Latvia has also introduced environmental regulations governing single-use plastic products. Paper straws have become one of the most common alternatives, though they come with a drawback: during longer use, they tend to soften and lose their shape.