which is more environmentally friendly?

June 4, 2008

We are having a cookout this weekend and while we usually would use

real plates because we thought we were saving trees, I now wonder if

the water /dishwasher power used to wash the plates is worse for the

environment, adding to greenhouse gaas and we should use disposable

plates? Just looking for opinions on this one, or if anyone has a

website that has info on this comparison. I think my husband will

vote for the use of real plates, but I 'm just thinking about the

possibilities!

thanks!

melissa

June 4, 2008

I'm not sure of the answer but here are some things to consider:

-what type of dishwasher powder to you use? There are many new ones on the

market that are phosphate free.

-what type of disposable plates are you thinking of? The white ones are bleached

whereas the plastic ones probably can't be recycled (depends where you live and

if you are going to bring them home to recycle you might as well bring home real

plates to wash). Weigh that (bleach or landfill) against the damage caused by

washing dishes.

-if it more environmentally friendly to use disposable plates then why do we use

real plates at home? Please don't take this as me being snarky...it is really

something to consider (why is a cookout different than everyday?). I actually

know people who use disposable plates/cutlery at home....not an environmental