Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

Opportunity: Gainesville has banned all plastic straw use in restaurants because using them is unhealthy for the environment, but having paper straws as the alternative become very soggy and hard to use. 

The who: Gainesville restaurants

That what:  They are only able to give out paper straws due to the recent banning of all plastic straws.

They why:  Because using plastic straws in unhealthy for the environment, but paper straws become soggy too quickly.

Hypothesis:

Testing the who:  The main “who” in this situation is the restaurants and the customers.  “Who” it is affecting is the unsatisfied customer whom doesn’t like when paper straws are the only option.

Testing the what:  The “what” involves the paper straw.  Do all paper straws become flimsy after a little bit?  Do all restaurants in Gainesville have to participate in this?  What can be done as an alternative?

Testing the why:  Most of the “whys” come from a point of view that using paper straws is better for the environment, but they are not very functional.  Why can restaurants not offer both options in Gainesville?  

Interviews:

Interview #1: A female junior health sciences major at UF.

While she does think the ban has great intention she strongly dislikes paper straws.  After bringing up the topic, she immediately said that she had a paper straw from Starbucks today and was extremely disappointed because after sipping on her iced coffee the paper straw had become very flimsy and didn’t drink the rest of her coffee.  Even though she understands the ban, she would prefer for Gainesville to use plastic straws still.

Interview #2: A freshman who works at the Standard Chick-fil-a.

He has worked at the Chick-fil-a under the Standard apartments for a few months now and has seen the process of changing over to paper straws from plastic ones.  He also agrees with the environmental sustainability of the new straws, but also understands and hears a lot about the other side of people not liking them since he works at a place that no longer offers plastic ones anymore.  Chick-fil-a is one of the biggest locations for students to grab a bite to eat at and he said that he wants the customers to be satisfied with their experience, but has truly noticed the difference from people complaining about the paper straw.

Interview #3: A junior studying Agricultural Education and Communication at UF.

When bringing up this topic and asking questions on whether he agrees with the new rule about banning plastic straws was very interesting. He said that he is in full support and that if people want to use a non-paper one that they could purchase a reusable straw.  Through the research and his personal beliefs, he believes that using paper straws is a great alternative and encourages those around him to use them. 

Interview #4:  A senior studying history in hope to attend law school.

After interviewing my friend, his opinions were very strong about the issue and believes that the city should not take the individual rights of business owners to make a decision that is best financially sounds for them and their business. He believes restaurants should be able to choose whether or not they serve plastic or paper straws and also thinks that there could be a change made about this new initiative. 

Interview #5: A junior biology major at UF hoping to go to med school.

After my fifth interview, she said that this new ban is a great way in taking a proactive step in helping the environment.  She also added that being environmentally friendly everywhere should be on the top priority of everyone’s list and this new initiative is a step in the right direction.

Summary:

After asking 5 different people their personal opinions about the topic at matter I was not surprised to hear both points of view.  Yes, I agree that it is environmentally more sustainable, but I also agree that nobody wants to drink out of a soggy straw and one ends up wasting their drink.  I think that there should be an action taken into place because this alternate option isn’t satisfying to customers from talking with interviewee number #2.  He sees a lot of people disappointed with using a paper straw more than satisfied.