Paper Coffee Cups’ Hidden Environmental Impact
Paper coffee cups, often considered eco-friendly, may pose environmental risks due to their plastic lining. A study reveals that these seemingly green cups can emit toxic substances when exposed to the environment. Scientists, who traditionally studied plastic lids and polystyrene cups, had overlooked paper cups until now.
The study tested the effects of paper and plastic cups on midge larvae, common in toxicity tests. Both types of cups had detrimental effects on the larvae’s growth and development when placed in water or sediment.
These cups’ complex mixture of synthetic materials and chemicals, along with added processing aids, makes it challenging to identify their exact composition. Chemical analyses cannot always determine what harmful substances may leach from these cups.
While improving recycling practices could help, researchers suggest retiring disposable paper cups altogether. Only a few recycling centers can separate the plastic lining from the paper, leading to minimal recycling rates.
Even reusable cups made of plastic can leach harmful substances, particularly with heat and wear. Their carbon footprint can be high due to energy-intensive manufacturing and washing.
Scientists advocate for the development of safer, sustainable solutions, such as edible cups or innovative materials like glass or stainless steel. Transitioning from disposable cups will require innovative business models and behavior change among consumers.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Wired
