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Tikkun Olam: GREEN LIVING
Disposable Cups
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Do you really need to use disposable cups?
We all use cups and plates, and most people already have a dishwasher. Should we buy disposables? The resources required to manufacture our dishwasher and our plates have already been expended so all we can do is control the future.
Direct costs – A dishwasher uses electricity to run (15¢ for 1-hour cycle); gel detergent (7¢); and water (a few cents). You can buy up to 100 thin paper plates for $4; sturdier paper, Styrofoam, plastic and cellulose-based plates all cost more.
Indirect costs – Petroleum-based plastics and Styrofoam do not degrade and very few communities recycle them. In Columbus, only #1 and #2 plastics are recycled. Both paper and cellulose-based products (available online) will biodegrade if composted. So if you must use disposables, please think ahead, use plant-based products and then compost them. A small, neat, unobtrusive composter could be hidden in most yards and is not that expensive.
Resources:
http://reducing-waste.suite101.com/article.cfm/biodegradable_cutlery_and_paper_plates
http://reducing-waste.suite101.com/article.cfm/biodegradable_cutlery_and_paper_plates#ixzz0TFO3sZNp
http://www.malikarisley.com/2008/11/20/estimate-cost-of-running-your-household-appliance/
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/howmuch.html
http://appliancegeek.blogspot.com/2008/07/calculating-dishwasher-operating-cost.html
http://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/documentFiles/130.pdf
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=dishwash.display_products_text
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/10/pla_corn_plastic_problems.html
http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/218/1/Recycling-styrofoam.html
http://earth911.com/blog/2009/03/09/recycling-mysteries-styrofoam/
http://www.biodegradablestore.com/pp/plates/bagasse/pp_bagasse_9_plate_C_P.html
http://www.ecoproducts.com/food_services/cold_cups_lids/food_service_corn_cups_order.htm
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