Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2001 09:47:45 -0500 (EST) From: dan_loughlin@ncsu.edu (Dan Loughlin) Subject: Re:please help me for a project
The paper vs. plastic question is a difficult
one to answer. I don't know of any particular
studies comparing these two, but I'd bet there
are some. There is a field of research called
life-cycle analysis where all of the environmental
impacts from products are calculated from
cradle to grave (including obtaining raw
materials, transport, production, disposal, etc.)
It is a neat field, but one that is rather
problematic. For example, how do you compare
different pollutants?, how do you compare
affects in different media (water vs. air)?, and,
how do you value a human life, animal life,
damage to vegetation and endangered species?, etc.
A good discussion of some of these issues is
in Ackerman's 1997 book titled Why do we recycle?
Markets, Values, and Public Policy. I'm sure
there are lots of good books or papers on life-
cycle analysis.... maybe even a study to address
your question.
Dan
PS It is a very realistic scenario that two groups
could do a life-cycle analysis comparing plastic and
paper bags and have very different results based
on their assumptions.
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