Issue 547 Disposable versus Reusable March 13, 2015

Here we contrast disposable versus reusable objects.  Here we go.

Disposable:  Anything disposable is generally cheap initially, but costs build up over time.  For instance, paper plates are great as they save water, are more hygienic than potentially eating off an improperly cleaned plate, but can build up in the garbage fast.  Paper towels are another example.  They are hygienic as you do not have to rub your face on a dirty towel, but over time they build up in cost and fill the garbage can.  So you can see that cleanliness is key to the advantage here and that that cleaning a traditional towel uses a lot of water.  

Reusable:  Here we have cheap goods that are durable.  You buy them once and use them for years until they are no longer useful.  Plates just need to be washed in water with a little soap.  Towels are thrown into the laundry after about two uses.  So rather than the cost to buy a new plate or towel, you have the cost of cleaning them.  This cost is mitigated by cleaning in bulk so as to save money and thus can cost less than disposable brands.  But these also take up space.  You are not going to keep plates for a dinner party of 12 or more if you don't have that many people coming over every so often.  So this is economical if you know how to clean them, and use them, but as stated, they take up space and if improperly maintained, are not hygienic as you will end up eating off the dirt and grime you left there from not maintaining your wares.

Conclusion:  Balance to me seems to be the answer.  Use cheap reusable towels for your body twice so that you minimize dirt and grime while maintaining costs.  Use reusable plates and bowls for yourself and family.  Use disposable items like paper towels for messes that are germ filled like spills, and cleaning, while using paper plates for those occasional dinner parties.  Basically, use each object to its strengths to maintain a sustainable and healthy household.