Paper straws require ~2.5 to 5 times more energy per kilogram than plastic straws.
Plastic straws are lighter (about 1 g per straw) than paper straws (~2 g per straw), so per-unit energy usage is closer, but paper still consumes more.
Paper manufacturing is energy-intensive, especially for virgin pulp.
Plastic manufacturing is more energy-efficient, but plastic waste persists in the environment for centuries.
