10.28.2007
Paper Plates Vs. The real thing
So ... we use paper plates -- a lot of them. I think we use paper plates for every meal. There are various reasons for this, one of them being that paper plates = less dishes = happier wife and mom. But, I have to ask the question, is this good for the environment? What is the greater cost, more waste from paper products or the amount of electricity and water used to clean real plates?
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So, there is a crazy lengthy study that one can read at http://www.elmagn.chalmers.se/BioEMgroup/courses/mt/kurs01_02/abstract01/C6_01.pdf
There conclusion is to use porcelain plates.
It seems that using washable plates has a bit of a better environmental impact, as long as you use the dishwasher and do not pre-rinse. However, since happy wife = happy life, the marginal trade off, might help paper be the favorable choice. Some people have begun using plastic wear that breaks down in compost piles in two weeks, I suppose that ideally, we should get some of that stuff.
I've gone almost completely to regular plates as opposed to paper for the last couple months or so. With our family of six, we went through a lot! (We don't use porcelain, though, now that got me thinking! Although, not the most ideal with little ones.) About having to wash the dishes, though, it's all a frame of mind for me. I had to tell myself that they're plates... flat, rather easy to wash (we don't have a dishwasher), and that I have to use water to wash other stuff like cups, silverware, etc, anyways, so I might as well save money and some trees at the same time.
Okay, so now I'm going to read that article and probably see how bad our plastic plates and bowls are for the kids and the environment...
Oh wow! I have been having this struggle. Our dishwasher in our new house doesn't work so we have increased the paper plate usage a bit but I have tried to do it only on nights where I am just even impressed I got dinner on the table. Most of the time we do use porcelain plates. Every time I toss a paper plate on the table I feel guilty for the cost of plate since I know I continually have to buy paper plates and I have plates in the cabinet that don't need to be repurchased.
Plus we will be remodeling the kitchen soon and believe me our life will be paper and plastic galore. Cause I am just not in to washing dishes in the bathroom sink, as everyone suggests.
In the end you have to do with what you feel comfortable with in all things. Somedays happy wife is much more important than standing at the sink with dishes. Those 10 minutes are better spent playing with husband and kids. :)
I go with what's easier for the mom at this stage in my life, but I can see your delimma! Yikes! We have too many choices these days as opposed to the "olden days" and it just adds more stress! And we're supposed to be living in easier times! : ) LOL
As a working mom, I say go for the paper, at least until the kids can help you wash the real ones! Life is too short, so being a happy mom, happy wife is my way of showing God's love to my family (that's much better than being that grumpy old mom/wife). Enjoy your family, and your life!
I think it comes down to emptying the dishwasher for me. I don't mind doing dishes, or loading but emptying the washer and remembering to run it every night is a problem for me.
Anyway, I use real plates for most things except our group get togethers. When I see the amount of trash we throw out every week it's sureal, imagine if I used disposable diapers, and disposable eating ware. I would have to get another trash can. One more trash can a month equals 36 dollars, and that is 1/2 a housecleaning.
I don't find that hand washing dishes is all that much of a chore. I just heat water on the stove (hot water heater died), mix it with soap and tap water in the sink,put in the dishes,wash, and rinse in a tub of water and vinegar(to cut soap residue)We have three people in our household.It doesn't take all that long,is rather calming and centering,and does not use a lot of energy or water.If you're curious about the energy and water that go into manufacturing things read 'Stuff : the secret lives of everyday things by John C. Ryan, Alan Thein Durning' Very eye-opening!
Hello Ryan-
You cite a study that I am VERY interested in reading... but the link seems not to work. Do you have a reference/resource for where this came from/what it was, etc.
Thanks for ANY help!
-Michelle
Michelle,
It looks like the site that supported the document is no longer active. Here is the forum that I got it from:
http://forums.usms.org/archive/index.php/t-8633.html
Hope that helps.
-Ryan
We can propose an alternate to this - eco friendly , bio degradable plates :
www.ecosakthi.com
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