At a salad bar buffet which weighs more, the styrafoam containers or the transparent plastic ones?

Answer 1

For cost purposes, it doesn't matter. The merchant is supposed to keep a record of the exact weight of each type of container and then subtract that weight when weighing the food. It's called the tare weight. That way, you only pay for the food, not the container. If the merchant doesn't subtract the correct tare, government inspectors can fine the store (that is, if you are living in an area that has scale inspections).

If you're worried about the weight of sending things to the landfill, the styrofoam may actually be a better choice, since it's volume, not mass that fills up a landfill, and styrofoam squishes while plastic does not. (See William Rathke's book on Garbage.) But then again, if the plastic is marked compostable, certainly, that's the best choice of all because it's made out of vegetable matter that you can simply toss into your compost heap.

Answer 2

If they hold the same amounts of food the plastic containers weigh more. But I hate those flimsy styrofoam containers.
If you reheat your food in the microwave better take it out of the plastic or styrofoam as it will melt and cause unwanted chemicals in your food. It's better to put on a clean bowl or plate and cover with a paper towel in your microwave.

Answer 3

I know what you're getting at, and it's misdirected.

The things that weigh the most have the most water in them - tomatoes, dressing, anything liquidy.

Go for big lettuce piles, mushrooms, etc.

The difference is negligible between the two containers. Bring your own dressing (keep in office fridge) and save on that item.

Answer 4

the plastic ones are heavier due to the density of the material that they are made from.

Answer 5

Just a SWAG but I would think the strafoam,it is less dense

Answer 6

Who..Cares?

Answer 7

plastic y