Most environmentalists have come to a solid conclusion in the paper vs plastic debate at the grocery store. The answer – neither. Go with reusable bags. Paper towels vs. air dryer? Air dryer in a blowout. But what about glass vs plastic for so many other food items? Which is the better choice?

Seems that environmentally conscious consumers feel glass is a better choice for both food quality and eco-friendliness. Sustainable is good reports that a survey done by the University of Oklahoma showed green consumers choose glass packaging over other packaging when possible. They believe it preserves quality and flavor while helping to lengthen shelf life. Consumers also believe glass packaging is better for the environment.

It’s hard to say if peanut butter keeps better in a glass jar instead of a plastic jar, but the glass jar is surely a better environmental choice if it’s recycled properly.

When glass is recycled it gets turned, fairly directly, in to more glass. It can be recycled over and over and never lose its integrity. Plastic bottles, however, are not recycled into plastic bottles. The plastic loses its integrity and needs to be turned into something different such as synthetic decking, fleece jackets or carpet padding. Because of this, industry people will say that plastic isn’t truly recycled; it’s downcycled.

Every time a product is packaged in a plastic bottle, jar, or other container, it’s actually new plastic, no matter how hard we try. And new plastic means new petroleum. All new fossil fuel resources went into making it. Glass jars and bottles, on the other hand, can be made from recycled glass. They aren’t always, but it’s becoming more common and financially competitive.

So the next time you have a choice between glass or plastic packaging for an item, consider buying the item in the glass packaging. Just make sure to drop it in the recycling bin when you’re done, or it’s all for naught.

Tags: kitchen, recycling, saving energy, saving plastic, shopping