Paper or Foam?

Message Bookmarked
Bookmark Removed
I've just been having a discussion with a work colleague, who insists that foam cups are better for the environment than paper ones. His argument is that since all these disposable cups end up in the rubbish bin and are utlimately incinerated, that foam cups burn 'cleaner' beause they are made of natural gas.

Is he right? It sounds all wrong to me.

C J (C J), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 10:22 (twenty-two years ago)

I have a pen made from a recycled plastic cup. Not paper, not foam.

mark grout (mark grout), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 10:28 (twenty-two years ago)

What natural gas?

N. (nickdastoor), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 10:29 (twenty-two years ago)

Paper is much better. Maybe you can scour the interweb for NY-style 'we are happy to serve you' paper coffee cups.

suzy (suzy), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 10:32 (twenty-two years ago)

He says that foam cups are made of oil and natural gas. I know, I know, it sounds stupid (and I gave him a funny look). I'm just going into a meeting, but when I get back I will have to google up the process for making foam cups.

C J (C J), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 10:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Umm, yuhuh, like most plastics innit. But you could ask him why using a non-replaceable natural fuel is better than a renewable source like trees.

Liz :x (Liz :x), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 11:08 (twenty-two years ago)

What is the 'wax' on waxed paper cups?

N. (nickdastoor), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 11:12 (twenty-two years ago)

Wax.

Liz :x (Liz :x), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 11:13 (twenty-two years ago)

Umm, silicone, probably.

Liz :x (Liz :x), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 11:13 (twenty-two years ago)

But in what sense is burning plastics 'clean'? This is the bit I can't follow.

N. (nickdastoor), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 11:15 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, he's a nutjob. Kick him to the kerb, CJ.

Liz :x (Liz :x), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 11:16 (twenty-two years ago)

That doesn't sound right at all. Todmorden festival to thread.

Matt (Matt), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 12:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Sure it's more environmentally better to opt for paper cups as they biodegrade.

Pinkpanther (Pinkpanther), Wednesday, 25 February 2004 13:00 (twenty-two years ago)

I once made Napalm out of gasoline and foam. For every, say, 250ml of Gasoline, about 4 hectares of foam. Napalm is boring. I smoked a joint, put the napalm on the end of a stick, and watched it burn for about ten minutes. Good thing cocaine came along when it did!

Le Coq, Wednesday, 25 February 2004 13:04 (twenty-two years ago)


You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.