Compostable Cups
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A more logically solutions seems to be to introduce cups that are recyclable. In other words, create a biodegradable cup. This idea actually does exist. However, no solution is ever perfect.
Biodegradable cups look and feel the same as polyethylene coffee cups however they are made from a corn-based material instead of the typical plastic. This idea seems viable however it still poses some difficulties.
The first is the cost. Capitalism promotes higher profits with low production costs. Biodegradeable cups are generally more expensive and we all know that corportaions would rather go with a cheaper product than pay more for a product that would save the environment.
However, the company is not the only one to blame for not implementing biodegradable cups. PLA, the components of a biodegradable cup, usually need an environment where the temperature can reach 140 degrees for ten consecutive days. At the moment, Toronto's facilities only reach temperatures of 98 degrees for fifteen days. Therefore, the cups would/are not being composted properly. Also, there are barely any composite bins in Toronto itself. Many compostable cups end up in the trash and then land fills which also do not allow the cup to be degraded.
Biodegradable cups pose an even higher damage when placed in recycling bins. Instead, they end up causing more harm as the PLA elements in the cups cannot be broken down in the normal recycling process. Toronto's waste management system cannot take on biodegradable cups.
Ziada, Hanna. "Disposable coffee cup waste reduction study." McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. http://msep.mcmaster.ca/epp/publications/DisposableCofeeCup.pdf (2009). (accessed November 2, 2012).
Biodegradable cups look and feel the same as polyethylene coffee cups however they are made from a corn-based material instead of the typical plastic. This idea seems viable however it still poses some difficulties.
The first is the cost. Capitalism promotes higher profits with low production costs. Biodegradeable cups are generally more expensive and we all know that corportaions would rather go with a cheaper product than pay more for a product that would save the environment.
However, the company is not the only one to blame for not implementing biodegradable cups. PLA, the components of a biodegradable cup, usually need an environment where the temperature can reach 140 degrees for ten consecutive days. At the moment, Toronto's facilities only reach temperatures of 98 degrees for fifteen days. Therefore, the cups would/are not being composted properly. Also, there are barely any composite bins in Toronto itself. Many compostable cups end up in the trash and then land fills which also do not allow the cup to be degraded.
Biodegradable cups pose an even higher damage when placed in recycling bins. Instead, they end up causing more harm as the PLA elements in the cups cannot be broken down in the normal recycling process. Toronto's waste management system cannot take on biodegradable cups.
Ziada, Hanna. "Disposable coffee cup waste reduction study." McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. http://msep.mcmaster.ca/epp/publications/DisposableCofeeCup.pdf (2009). (accessed November 2, 2012).