You're assuming that the issue is fact-checking, rather than cherrypicking in the first place. Plastic straws are not a major source of microplastics or plastic

You're assuming that the issue is fact-checking, rather than cherrypicking in the first place. Plastic straws are not a major source of microplastics or plastic pollution, but you know what is? Clothing! Fast fashion, and harder plastics associated with electronic tat. You know what the NYT for example is all about advertising? Fashion! Random tat. Even putting aside that more conspiratorial angle, there has always been a trend to steer the public away from understanding large, industrial, commercial sources of problems by having them micromanage their own contribution. It's ridiculous, but most people either don't have the time or inclination to think through these things, so they read an article and then get to the hard business of letting everyone know what a good person they are. Plus: "Factors far outside of your ability to control or influence, such as the use of rubber tyres and waste disposal habits of China/India, are going to harm you," shuts people off, it makes them engage less. "This is all your fault, and here's how" grabs attention.