Why an Ice Cream Cone is an Easy Environmental Win
As summer approaches, ice cream lovers face the choice between cups and cones, with cones being the more environmentally friendly option. A study highlights that plastic waste, including disposable cups, significantly contributes to global litter. To reduce environmental impact, individuals are encouraged to choose reusable items and support local ice cream shops.
- ▪Plastic food and drink packaging is the most common form of litter found on shorelines worldwide.
- ▪Paper cups often contain plastic coatings that do not decompose, contributing to microplastic pollution.
- ▪Supporting local ice cream shops can reduce transportation emissions and promote sustainable practices.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The official start of summer is almost here, and with it comes the age-old question for ice cream lovers: cup or cone? The superior answer for the planet might just be the tastier one. What is the environmental impact of a cup of ice cream?Plastic is baked into our society, making it difficult to avoid. Plastic food and drinks packaging—from wrappers to disposable cups—are by far the most common forms of litter found on shorelines around the world, according to a new study published in the journal One Earth. Worldwide, we produce more than 300 million tons of plastic every year, an estimated half of which is single-use. While a paper cup might seem harmless, it’s more damaging than you might think.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at TIME — Top.
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