Our planet is deteriorating at an alarming rate. From water and air pollution to global warming, there’s no telling what will become of Earth in a few years to come. This is the reason everyone is preaching the “conserve the environment” gospel everywhere. One of the things we are told to do to be kind to the environment is to toss disposable cups and use reusable ones instead. The idea is that reusable cups help manage waste. However, the question on everyone’s mind is, “Is environmental friendliness limited to waste management only?” Follow through as we decode this rather controversial topic once and for all.
The Energy of Manufacture Issue
Many people overlook the importance of the energy used to manufacture some of the top reusable cups Australia has to offer. Scientifically, this energy is high compared to that of disposable cups. For a reusable to make sense as far as energy improvement, you have to use it a minimum of 15 times before tossing it. In all honesty, very few folks actually use them more than ten times. If you use it for ten times, each use is charged for one-tenth of the energy of manufacture. In the end, it won’t make that big of a difference to the environment.
Energy used to wash a reusable cup
Secondly, the amount of energy used to wash a reusable cup also comes to play when determining its carbon footprint. Here, both the dishwasher efficiency and that of the energy system used to power it have a direct impact on the energy needed to wash it. Statistically, the more you wash the cup, the energy per use declines. What’s more, washing reusable cups using water and soap leads acidification, ecotoxicological, land occupation, and eutrophication. And the situation is even worse when you live in regions with water shortages. Your monthly water bills will definitely be high.
Emissions
Disposable cups are wanting when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. A disposable mug made of polyethylene and cardboard with a polystyrene lid is bound to have potential effects to the environment than a reusable cup made from ceramic material. Reusable cups also tend to use fewer fossil fuels and minerals compared to their counterparts.
Bottom-line
From the above points, it is clear that the number of times a reusable cup is used determines its positive contribution to the environment. To decrease the potential negative impacts of reusable cups Australia, you must use one for a minimum of fifteen times. Otherwise, you might do Earth more good by sticking to your single-use cup instead.
No Comments