Modular desktop organizer

Most environmentalists have come to a conclusion in the paper vs plastic debate. The answer – neither. Go with reusable bags. What about glass vs plastic? Which is the better choice?

I’m not sure if something like applesauce keeps better in a glass jar as opposed to a plastic jar, but I do know that the glass jar is a better choice environmentally if it’s recycled properly.

When glass is recycled it gets turned into more glass. It can be recycled over and over and never loses its integrity. Plastic bottles, however, are not recycled into plastic bottles. The plastic loses its integrity and needs to be turned into something different such as plastic lumber or carpet padding. Because of this, some people say that plastic isn’t truly recycled; it’s downcycled. I read somewhere once that downcycling is like making a copy of a photocopy. Each time a copy is copied, quality is lost.

Every time a product is packaged in a plastic bottle, jar, or other container, it’s new plastic. All new resources went into making it. Glass containers, on the other hand, can be made from recycled glass. They aren’t always made from recycled materials, but it’s becoming more common.

Next time you have a choice between a glass or plastic container, consider buying the glass option. Just make sure to stick it in the recycling bin when you’re done.