General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: A Troubling Discovery in the Deepest Ocean Trenches [View all]Blue_true
(31,261 posts)The issue is that they run $0.10-$0.80 per cup, depending on purchase volume. Styrofoam cups run $0.02-$0.04 per cup.
Here is where politics come in. Governments could mandate use of the Biodegradeble or compostable cups and set up a clearing house to save nursing homes money on the purchases, bringing the price closer to the styrofoam price. The problem is the petroleum industry will go nuts and they are better organized and better funded than the green products industry, so petro wins each time and there is unlikely to be any government action to change that.
On the bright side, green products like cups, tableware and plates get better and cheaper to make each year, soon they will be price competitive with plastic and styrofoam without any government intervention.