While holding a paper plate, a curious thought popped into my mind: “Is paper plate a sustainable option?” The answer in my mind was, yes, it is made of paper, which is biodegradable and environment friendly.
But then, a debate began in my mind. Paper plates are a better choice, than any other alternatives. They are biodegradable and decompose faster than plastic, and sometimes they can be composted or recycled. Also, it is made from renewable resources like trees and bamboo. But then thinking about the other side. They are made from paper, which means a large number of trees are cut down. Plus, its production requires a large amount of energy and water. After use, no one knows their fate, whether they will be recycled or composted properly, or will just fly littering the environment.
After a while, I realized the answer was not as straightforward as I initially thought. The answer to the question “Is paper plates a sustainable choice?”, depends on how they are sourced, used and disposed of.
Let’s look at both the positives and negatives—so you can decide for yourself.
Are Paper Plates Better for the Earth? Let’s Break It
Positive Environmental Impact of Paper Plates
We often feel using a paper plate is a sustainable choice. After all, it is biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals and helps protect the planet. Let’s explore the positive impact – because paper plates offer some real benefits and are always better than plastic alternates.
1. Biodegradable And Compostable
The factors biodegradable and compostable are the main advantages of seeing a paper plate as an alternative to plastic plates. It decomposes naturally, without being a burden to the environment. Unlike plastics, they don’t take hundreds of years to decompose, in the right conditions they easily decompose in a few months. If composted properly, they can even return nutrients to the soil.
2. Made From Renewable Resources
Paper plates are made from renewable resources like trees and bamboo, which are harvested from certified forests. There are organizations like Forest Stewardship Council, which ensure that the forests are managed responsibly in a way to maintains its biodiversity and ecosystem. The manufacturers source resources for the production of paper plates from such sustainably managed forests, without any doubt the plates are eco-friendly. But if you don’t see any valid certifications, then there is a chance that the paper plate you’re using is not eco-friendly.
3. Free From Harmful Chemicals
Plastic pollution is a major concern for the environment. Plastic takes years to decompose, and the harmful microplastics released from it contaminate rivers, oceans, soil, and even drinking water. However, plates made of paper (excluding plastic-coated plates) do not contribute to this problem. Paper plates decompose naturally and transform into a nutrient in the soil.
Negative Impacts of Paper Plates
Most of the time paper plates are seen as a green alternative to plastic, but it’s not always positive. They do have some eco-friendly benefits, but their production, use and improper management can create an environmental challenge. Let’s see some of its hidden impact on the environment.
1. Deforestation
Deforestation destroys biodiversity, and wildlife habitat, and is a major contributor to global warming. Cutting down trees on a large scale is one of the leading causes of climate change. Even though companies are ensuring that the forests are harvested sustainably, still millions of trees are cut down every year to meet the demand for paper products. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the environment and lower the amount of greenhouse gases from the environment.
2. High Energy and Water Consumption
The process of manufacturing paper requires a lot of water and energy. Starting from processing virgin wood to manufacturing and transportation, each step of production leaves an environmental footprint. The process involves the use of harmful chemicals (to make paper look clean and white), which contaminate the water source. The fossil fuels are burnt to power the production of paper, leading to higher carbon emissions.
3. Single-Use Waste Problem
Once the paper plate is used, no other option is left except for disposing it of. The chances of not disposing of properly are high. We often get to see paper plates and other disposable products littering the environment.
Paper plates are designed for convenience, but people don’t think twice before throwing them away. Therefore, picnic spots and tourist destinations are flooded with such kinds of single-use products. Even though they are biodegradable they should be managed properly.
Conclusion: Is Paper Plate a Sustainable Option?
Paper plate lies in between of sustainability. You can’t win from either side as they have both positive and negative environmental impacts. They are biodegradable, decompose faster than plastic, and are chemical-free, but that doesn’t wipe out the environmental cost of deforestation, water usage and waste issues.
Whether paper plates are a sustainable choice depends on how and when you use them. Using them occasionally—rather than as an everyday habit—can help reduce single-use waste. After use, proper disposal is crucial. Compost, and turn it into nutrients for your garden soil. Avoid using plastic-coated paper plates and start buying by looking at the certifications that guarantee sustainable sourcing and biodegradability. Mindful decisions like these can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while still offering convenience when needed.
