Consumers are Being Scammed After Purchasing Knockoff Metal Straws
Mar. 18 2019, Updated 5:55 p.m. ET
With one good idea, there is always a knockoff trying to takes its place. Back in April, the company FinalStraw launched "the world's first collapsible, reusable straw" in a Kickstarter campaign to help reduce the plastic straw waste.
At the end of the campaign, founders Emma Cohen and Miles Pepper were met with nearly 86,000 orders. Due to the popularity of the product — they raised nearly $2 million — scammers started selling knockoff, cheaper versions of the straws on Amazon, eBay, and other websites.
Not only are scam artists selling the FinalStraw knockoffs for half the price (they're originally $20), they are also illegally using the company's photos and promotional text. Cohen posted a statement on Linkedin regarding the issue, writing, "The reason Miles Pepper and I started this project was [to] REDUCE waste, and we have inadvertently created more. It is such a face palm moment and there is pretty much nothing we can do about it."
She added, "We have a team working around the clock to get the knockoffs that are using our images taken offline but as soon as one comes down, five more sprout up. Half of these copycat straws are using picture of ME to sell their straw, drives me nuts."
Say goodbye to plastic straws.
So, why is your Starbucks drink hurting the environment? The life cycle of plastic extends much longer than its initial function; therefore, most plastic ends up in either landfills, or the ocean. In a 2015 viral video shot by marine biologist Christine Figgener, viewers watched on as a plastic straw was being pulled out of a sea turtle's nostril. Though the movement on plastic straws being banned has been around for more than 10 years, the disturbing footage sparked national concern.
Seattle, the Starbucks capital of the world, is now free of plastic straws. If you visit the popular west coast city, you will find no plastic straws in businesses. In fact, you will find no plastic utensils either! Nearly 10 years since its initial passing, Seattle's plastic ban has taken effect. Though Seattle looks to be the first major city to enact such a big ruling, it doesn't seem to be the last. San Francisco recently moved to pass a plastic straw ban, and companies such as Walt Disney World, American Airlines, Starbucks, and moving forward with more environmental conscious decisions.
Metal straws a thing of the future, but does everyone agree?
As in any movement, some people are riding the wave, while others are against it. Check out these Twitter reactions to metal straws below.
Apparently, metal straws aren't just good for the environment; they're also good for your cold drinks.
Not using plastic straws could take some getting used to.
Some people feel banning plastic straws is an extreme and unnecessary measure.
Overall, we think, out with the old, in with the reusable.
