ecologically speaking which better paper or glass
 

plates?

I was pulling a glass plate out of the cupboard and stopped to think whether it was cheaper to use paper or glass and run the dishwasher....then I wondered which was ecologically better.

I figured someone here would know both answers.

Tom W

Neither..Certain food containers can double as serving vessels if skilfully used,glass and pottery plates require water and occasionally soap,likewise paper plates cost money.

One can creatively offset this expense by cruising the neighborhood during recycling days and salvaging whatever pieces of cardboard may lend themselves for food service. In this regard I have found plastic-coated shipping containers sovereign.

.
Look outside and see what you have more of, trees, or water.

No trees, use the washable plates.
No water, use the paper.
No trees or water, move !

Have Fun
RichC
:joker:
.

I prefer glass because paper ends up burning my fingers right at the end.

I would guess, an older existing set of glass plates. The effect on the environment is now limited to washing it periodically. Do that with an "green" soap and you are not leaving much of an imprint on the environment. paper would need to be replaced, and although trees are grown as a renewable resource, the process to make paper and then get it to market is dirtier. Add in the solid waste factor, pick up, landfill, etc. and the glass wins hands down.

Daayem, boy!

What, your microwave know something I don't know about liquids permeating paper?
:confused:

Txjake has the correct answer. It takes a lot of water and chemicals and energy to make a paper plate you use once. Then more energy to haul it away, and then space in a landfill, and then you do it again and again 1000 times. 1 glass plate you can use forever. Only run your dishwasher when it is full and you save even more.

Mike

Txjake has an answer. I use dirty paper plates and beer boxes to start my grilling charcoal, then I spread the ashes in my vegetable garden. Also, based on my last timber survey, there ain't no shortage in pine trees either, which is a highly renewable resource.

a bong might solve that problem...:D

You could always collect rainwater and use it for dishwashing by hand.

Or eat off of fallen leaves. It's not a bad idea to keep the wiping leaves separated from the eating leaves, though. And the same holds true for eating or wiping, stay away from that poison oak and ivy!

Seems as though Bot and Mistress have pot-y minds.

Oh. Sorry, I misunderstood.

My low-mindedness immediately projected your comment to smoking pipe vs rolling papers!

Reflections of my younger days, lived shallow and fast.

B

Mistress, do you and I have a history that I forgot about?

That's how I read it, also. :cool: