[moreira]

The disposable dishware, I saw it in the US, and it's just the most unbelievable thing I can think of. Having grown up in Europe, I was astonished to see people actually eat out of disposable dishware. I'd expect it at a party with a ton of people, because then you just throw everything away, but for normal daily life? Insane wastage.

[Retric]

Thin paper plates for example have rather minimal environmental impact. They are actually better for the environment than running a nearly empty dishwasher.

PS: For manufactured products cost is often a reasonable first approximation of environmental impact. When you get 300 paper plates for 2 cents each they really can't take many resources to manufacture. Further, by ending up in a landfill they actually act as a carbon sink.

[JoshMnem]

> They are actually better for the environment than running a nearly empty dishwasher.

Washing a few dishes by hand just takes a moment.

[Retric]

Hand washing does not get dishes as clean. 70+C Water is useful in this context as it kills off bacteria which can help cut down on disease transmission.

[JoshMnem]

I don't think it's healthy to live in a sterile environment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygiene_hypothesis

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/23/children-all...

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20150223/could-a-dishwa...