Customers at McDonald's are avoiding using paper straws - but their solution uses even more plastic.
The fast food chain has switched out plastic straws for paper to reduce damage to the environment.
But the change has not been well received by some and some customers are going to extreme lengths to avoid them.
In the few weeks since the new straws were rolled out, more than 40,000 people have signed a petition to bring the plastic ones back, with one disgruntled customer comparing the ‘mushy’ paper experience to sucking on a tampon.
Those who appear not to care about the environmental benefits of paper straws have instead taken matters into their own hands.
They’ve realised plastic coffee lids are the same size as the other lids and fit snugly onto all cups sold by McDonald's.
And they claim that the lids are apparently being handed out to anyone who asks for them.
The lids are designed for hot drinks but for those desperate to avoid paper straws they can be used on cold drinks too - although the thickness of the milkshakes might make then a struggle.
Customers are now boasting online at finding a way round the paper straw ‘fiasco’, with some calling it a ‘game changer’.
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It will likely be a concerning turn of events for McDonald’s, who’ve made a very public stand to reduce plastic waste.
A spokesman said: "Our suppliers have made us paper straws that last at least 30 minutes in most, if not all liquids.
"They were introduced following customer feedback, and we are pleased to be doing the right thing in removing plastic from our."
McDonald’s CEO Paul Pomroy previously said they were introducing paper straws because customers wanted a more sustainable alternative.
