Makes no sense

It depends on the plastic and available recycling centers. So some cups in some areas. Its inconsistent in the United States.

It takes less energy and concentration to drink with a straw and this allows people to multitask more effectively. For example, it's a lot easier to use a straw while driving and you don't lose as much focus on the road as you would with a regular glass.

Why a need it? Because I WANT IT, so what?

while we don't really need it, it's far more practical than any other alternative avaliable. should i just tip my glass up while trying to read my book? or maybe eating my milkshake with a spoon while driving down the road would be a good option? anything to get rid of the evil that is straws right?

I like my lids with the sip holes. Prob not right word. Seems like a 1st world problem

They can choke on plastic fragments, which the cup might well break down into