Paper or Plastic?

Aztec Triogal

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I'm not asking about grocery store bags here. I"m asking natural vs. synthetic. I know a lot of people out there are very against plastic things, which happens to be the industry I'm involved in. We make synthetic parts parts, which are typically oil derivatives, cheaper and most cost efficiently than people who deal with natural metals, woods, and other "polymers".

I obviously prefer plastic to anything natural, in most cases. But I'm curious to hear what you think. I know some people see synthetic things as evil and wrong. What are your thoughts?
 
I guess I'd have to take the middle road and say I don't generally think about that kind of thing.

I mean, I suppose if someone presented me with two objects and told me one was better for the environment and the other wasn't, then I might just pick the one that was better for the environment.

But most likely I'd just pick whichever one can be used more, if I can recycle it's value over and over, then that's the one I'd want.
 
I guess I just hear a lot of bad things about plastics and the industry in general because I'm apart of it. I hear people talking about the carcinogens that are released during the manufacturing of PVC and different things like that. I guess I just wasn't sure if anyone here had strong feelings on the subject.
 
It's sort of a lose-lose situation.

Plastic is somewhat harmful to environment to make and if not recycled it's equally as harmful sitting in a landfill.

Paper is biodegradable but harmful because of the fact that it's a paper product, causing trees to be cut down in order for it to be manufactured.

If someone were able to manufacture a bio-degradable plastic, that would probably be best for both consumers and the environment (not to mention make that person/company filthy rich).
 
Muninn said:
Paper is biodegradable but harmful because of the fact that it's a paper product, causing trees to be cut down in order for it to be manufactured.

If someone were able to manufacture a bio-degradable plastic, that would probably be best for both consumers and the environment (not to mention make that person/company filthy rich).

Paper usually comes from paper farms nowadays, and especially here in the EU there are lots of rules to follow. For example: Everytime you cut down a tree you need to plant one to replace it. Thus making paper is not as harmful to the environment as it could be.

And bio-degradable plastic does exist. I have some in my cupoard right now!
 
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