This or That: Styrofoam or paper cups?
Styrofoam or paper cups?
When it comes to which one is more environmentally friendly the answer might surprise you. Although the general consensus has been that paper is greener because it biodegrades faster, the truth is that it doesn't really -- not in a landfill anyway (where nothing biodegrades because of the lack of oxygen). And if the biodegradeable advantage is taken out of the equation then styrofoam suddenly takes the lead -- paper cups use more raw materials and energy to produce, use up precious wood pulp, and cost more.
So it sounds like it unless you're throwing your paper cups out into the backyard compost pile when you're done with them (which isn't practical) or recycling them somehow they really aren't such a green deal after all.
When it comes to which one is more environmentally friendly the answer might surprise you. Although the general consensus has been that paper is greener because it biodegrades faster, the truth is that it doesn't really -- not in a landfill anyway (where nothing biodegrades because of the lack of oxygen). And if the biodegradeable advantage is taken out of the equation then styrofoam suddenly takes the lead -- paper cups use more raw materials and energy to produce, use up precious wood pulp, and cost more.
So it sounds like it unless you're throwing your paper cups out into the backyard compost pile when you're done with them (which isn't practical) or recycling them somehow they really aren't such a green deal after all.
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