> And they don't worry anymore.
Those same people can't do anything about the dumping of plastic fishing nets, so what else CAN they worry about? Only those things which they can directly change, no matter how small. Today it's straws, perhaps next will be plastic water bottles. Little nudges.
People are encouraged to turn-off lamps in rooms they aren't using. That's pretty insignificant compared to the energy consumption of aluminium smelters, but it's something everyone can do.
I was just being a bit pessimistic about human nature saying that every "little bit helps" idea might not be a given and it could have a negative effect as well.
I hope I am wrong of course and people will be more engaged and care about the environment, but people's behavior is not intuitive and obvious sometimes.
I wish it was as easy. People then think "I went to Starbucks and didn't ask for a plastic straw my job is done. I saved the environment. No need to worry anymore". And they don't worry anymore.
Same with politicians "we passed a straw ordinance", our job is done. Pad that resume with another accomplishment.
It falls into the category of "busy work" and rituals. Like say municipalities, having people sort recycling into 5 different containers, then in the end dumping it all into one stream at the center or say just dumping it in the trash. But it's important to make people believe they're doing useful and important things, and this provides for that.