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Chris DeArmitt figures we’d be better off focusing on paper rather than plastic if we are worried about single-use items.
The leading plastics scientist has written “Phantom Plastics,” a book in which he aims to debunk prevailing thoughts about plastics. He note both the banks of Canada and England chose to print money on plastic rather than paper because it was better for the environment.
How can that be?
“Life cycle analysis is the answer,” DeArmitt says. “Plastic money has seven times the lifespan of paper money.” He says the total carbon footprint and environmental cost of paper money far exceeds that of plastic banknotes,
Even the extra weight of the paper adds up, he says. “The extra fuel required to transport paper over plastic is just one element in the life cycle analysis of money. And then add in the impact of harvesting trees, mashing them into pulp and paper and the limited life span and it all adds up to plastic being the best choice.”
