Which is better for the environment?

Question

Does anyone know which is better for the environment... I have a family of 4 .. Is it better to use paper napkins/paper towels/paper plates/papercups? ...OR to use cloth things/regular dishes and use alot of water washing stuff all day? ...I read constantly about saving water and too much waste in our landfills..so which is better?

Answer 1

Washing is the way to go. If you are really, really worried about your water usage, there are other options then using the washing machine. Wash the dishes in the sink, or purchasing and water system that uses your homes gray water (water that has been used for washing and bathing) to water your lawn and garden.

Answer 2

Use cloth things, regular dishes etc. Wash with a low phosphate detergent or natural soap to minimize environmental impact. There really isn't a water shortage, and I challenge anyone to provide me with data that shows otherwise.

Answer 3

washing the things is probably better ,depending on what detergent you use

paper is better than plastic because you can add it to the compost ,but trees are cut down to produce it

plastic is the worst because it can only be recycled and nobody does

so i have to go with the washing i am afraid ,this is probably cheaper as well.

Answer 4

the paper products aren't recyclable. With water usage...try to clean the dishes w/the water off then rinse.

Answer 5

wash them and if you're worried about using too much water have the kids do tem in the sink. That uses minimal water.

Answer 6

I would say using regular dishes.

Water is recycled so efficiently.

Takes forever for paper to fully decompose.

Answer 7

Well, really the first thing you should do for the environment is if you have the possibility to DRY YOUR LAUNDRY OUTSIDE because dryers use so much energy... The solar energy outside is for free.

Answer 8

The stuff you keep and wash.