Whats better for the environment?

Question

I want to do something green ( already did the light bulb thing, and I ride the ferry insted of taking the car, when I can,) so what is better, using paper, plastic and foam plates, cups and napkins and throwing them away after every use and washing them sometimes( once a week) or using glass and sliver plates, cups and napkins and having to waste water and soap washing them? I figured the money saved in water will be spent on plates and such.

Answer 1

Water is more renewable than paper.

Consider the energy and resources needed to make and market a real plate and a paper plate.  Lets say it's 1:100 (or whatever).  Will you use that real plate more than 100 times?  Probably.

Sure you have to wash it, but think of all the energy and environmental pressure that goes into dsposing of all those paper plates (especially when many recyclers won't take things with food residue on them).

Answer 2

Non-paper dishes, and especially if you use eco-friendly dish detergents. And make sure, if you microwave food on these plates, that they can stand the heat, so to speak. They should last and last.

Glass plates can be bought that use 100% recycled glass content as well.

The key is to either use an efficient Energy Star dishwasher or wash your dishes by hand. And while doing so, remember you don't have to run the water for a long period of time while rinsing. One sink for soap, one for rinse and put em in the rack to dry.

Answer 3

I would rather use glass. The water and soap used is less polluting than plastic and foam plates.

Answer 4

It depends on where you live and how available fresh water is.  If you live in Arizona, paper plates are better.  If you live in Washington, dishes are better.

Answer 5

recycle,

use paper it is e-zer to recycle

Answer 6

i think using dishes and washing them is the better alternative.

paper plates are harmful to the environment (if it were just you doing it, then sure), but say for instance we all did that, for every meal, every day, we would be in crisis.

if you wash your plates up by hand, and dont overuse water resources, i think this will be a much better alternative.