Disposable Plates and Plastic Implements

Disposable plates are probably as old as the human desire to be rid of used dinnerware. Contemporary consumers are faced with many choices of disposable ware that range from paper to plastic, but the distinction between green disposable implements and other products is not always straightforward.

Paper plates are convenient and do not need washing after use. In general, they can become wet and weakened from the food that is served on them, so they are not reusable. Because they are disposable, they can simply be thrown away. They are somewhat green because they are biodegradable. However, many consumers believe that using a paper plate wastes trees and, therefore, do not view paper plates as green consumer goods. It is also the case that paper plates ...