A very old study in 1994 suggests exactly what the three TRU students are advocating with their Mug Share Idea. Information provided by Peter Tsigaris.
Namely, using mugs as much as possible, washed efficiently and sharing mugs.
Click on the link to watch The Video, which is quite entertaining and informative.
As the author of the study states:
“Ceramic cups have to be used a lot and washed efficiently if they are to compete with disposables – although with their high manufacturing footprint, it seems the real eco-sin is buying a spare tea-set that sits in the back of the cupboard without being used.”
In terms of energy:
“Ceramic cups are, however, reusable, so this energy needs to be spread over the mug’s lifetime. Hocking calculated that it doesn’t take long (about 500 uses), or the equivalent to using it twice a day for eight months – before the manufacturing energy becomes insignificant.”
Hence it doesn’t take long; only 500 uses. 2 cups a day for 360 days will more than do it.
Also it is a clear winner in water usage.
“It turns out that the energy required to wash a ceramic mug is half of the energy required to manufacture a paper cup. Hocking calculated that a ceramic mug must be used at least 39 times before breaks even with the energy needed to make one paper cup. Since paper cups don’t need washing, the ceramic is a clear water winner!”
As to the end of the life the author states the environmental impact is the same:
“Compared to cleaning and manufacture, the waste disposal is a relatively minor player for both paper and ceramic.”
It is important that the students consider the life cycle assessment of both products. I wonder if there is a more recent one that uses less energy intensive more environmentally produced mugs and soaps. I think they are, which makes the case for mug sharing even stronger.
Please go and vote if you like the idea, as the science is in favor of mugs. With the current technology it should favor mugs over paper cups even more.
Please if you have not seen the video do so if you have the time (it is only 3 minutes long) and if you like it VOTE TRU and spread the word around. The competition ends this Friday.
