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Q1.
Disposable cups are made from coated paper or poly(styrene).
The table below shows information on the life cycle assessments (LCAs) of
disposable cups.
Evaluate the use of coated paper compared with poly(styrene) to make
disposable cups.
Use the table above and your knowledge and understanding of LCAs.
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Paper is made from wood, which is renewable, but using lots of trees could lead to deforestation and reduce biodiversity. Polystyrene comes from crude oil, which is a finite resource that will eventually run out.
Making both types of cups uses energy, but making paper cups usually takes more energy and water. This means more carbon dioxide is released, which can increase global warming, and it can cause more water pollution too.
Both cups are usually used once, so neither is better during use. After use, polystyrene doesn’t break down in landfill and can stay for a very long time. It could also release toxic gases if burned. Paper decomposes in landfill and gives off useful energy if incinerated.
Overall, both have environmental impacts, but paper is better at breaking down and is made from renewable sources.
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