Less energy would be used by creating straws that are both convenient and good for the environment, like agave fiber straws.
Solutions can benefit all parties in any context (and the best ones do), but environmental protection is unique because the solution must benefit all parties. This is because, while some will sacrifice for the sake of the world, some will not. Convenience compels the lazy to change. No amount of coercion, or threat of force will change that.
> You can just not use a straw.
This thought process is the problem. Solutions must benefit all parties. Telling one party to go without and deal with it creates resentment.