Paper plates were bad enough for the environment, using trees for something that would only be used once, and to replace an item that could last a lifetime. Then when plastic became cheap it soon almost replaced paper in the production of inexpensive, disposable plates and cups. Plastic plates, cups and cutlery could arguably be considered to be a better alternative for the environment, since they can be washed and reused, but the reality is that they are not made for reuse and most consumers do not buy them with reusability in mind. A consumer wanting reusability and value for money would simply buy metal silverware and ceramic plates.
It has often been stated that the quandary for today's consumers is that environmental awareness is dictating that we return to the older and in many instances less convenient ways. After all, few people actually enjoy washing dishes, and fewer people like carrying their dirty dishes back to the car after a picnic. Unfortunately, to be environmentally responsible we must accept that a certain amount of extra work may ensue. Engineers are working on ways to make environmental awareness less of a chore.
Making paper plates from 100% recycled paper or plastic may help the problem somewhat, but it does not address the problem of landfills and future sources of recycled materials. Making lightweight, inexpensive, reusable dishes from special plastics or ceramics that resist shattering, heat warping, and rough handling is important, especially if the plastics are derived from recycled materials. In order to better suit today's consumer, a reusable plastic plate must be microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Materials engineers are employed to find new materials that can meet these criteria. They should also try to ensure that the material can be recycled after it has served its useful life.
Companies such as IKEA specialise in relatively cheap, quality goods made with the environment in mind. This company is manufactures low-cost plastic utensils and dishes that can be taken on picnics or used at informal parties, and then be washed easily and reused. (IKEA's range of furniture is also an excellent example of the clever use of woodchips, recycled or plantation timber, and small timber samples that would normally be woodchipped, all of which helps prevent the felling of taller and older forests).
With the understanding that dishwashers have become the norm in many households in developed nations, electrical, electronic and mechanical engineers design dishwashers that use less water, electricity, and can be set to different modes so that lightweight plastic or resin plates and cups which might be less resistant to high temperatures can be washed on a cooler cycle. Chemical engineers work on biodegradable dishwashing detergents that work well with cooler water (which also saves on energy costs).
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