Styrofoam, Paper, Ceramic, Stainless Steel or Corn?

Submitted by Laura Bruzas on Tue, 03/02/2010 - 15:10

Biodgradable mug made from corn

Does your library offer coffee and tea to its patrons and staff? If so, you may want to consider serving them in something other than a polystyrene (aka Styrofoam) cup—if you are not already doing so.

Why?

In addition to the potential health-related risks, there are environmental concerns:

Polystyrene products, including Styrofoam cups, are made with petroleum, a non-sustainable and heavily polluting resource. (Earth Resource Foundation)
Polystyrene products remain in our landfills for up to 500 years without disintegrating. (Under the Dome)
Most recycling plants will not accept it thus only one percent of Styrofoam products are recycled. (Mindful Metropolis)

In the late 80’s, Portland, Oregon banned Styrofoam. Close to 100 cities nationwide have followed suit.

Of the available common alternatives (paper, ceramic, and stainless steel), which one is best for the environment? According to sustainability engineer, Pablo Päster, the answer is not that simple. Determining factors include but are not limited to “The recyclability of the materials, their toxicity, the biodiversity of the raw material extraction site, and the working conditions along the supply chain.”

There is also a new option available: a biodegradable mug made from locally grown corn (pictured here). I look forward to reading more about this alternative.

For now, I will continue to use my sole ceramic cup, which has my name imprinted on it, while at work. And when on the road, I will use my lone stainless steel traveling mug. What about you?

Comments

Styrofoam subsidizing the

Styrofoam subsidizing the cost of many "cheap eats" places. Its always been a struggle to consider these eating places. The labor saved in cleaning dishes is what makes it a cheap eat (in part). This is a much bigger landfill filler than styrofoam cups in the office. For the record, I use a steel mug.

Submitted by Salim (not verified) on Mon, 03/08/2010 - 17:51.

Styrofoam subsidizing the

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/08/2010 - 17:50.

Cups from corn

It doesn’t seem like a good idea to take a food product and use it for other purposes. Some cultures depend heavily on corn for food and this could drive the price up for them.

Submitted by Angie (not verified) on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 12:50.

Food allergy concern

While a mug made from corn may seem a good idea, do remember people with food allergies. I have a co-worker who is highly allergic to items made with corn. Having popcorn in the room can cause her to have a reaction. She even has to stay away from cardboard boxes used in the library for storage because corn product is used to make these. If you decide to use these mugs made with corn with customers or staff, please post a health notice.

Submitted by MW (not verified) on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 07:43.