Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Impacts Of Single-Use Plastics - A Life Cycle Assessment, Taylor Gold

DePaul Discoveries

The objective of this study is to compare some examples of plastic and compostable single use eating and drinking utensils in terms of their environmental degradation. We use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantitatively compare these products’ impacts on the environment throughout their life cycle. Specifically, we quantify and compare the global warming potential (GWP) of each single use eating and drinking utensil/container. The results of this study were that product weight, and that the material products are made from have a significant impact on GWP. This study outlined similar studies that have been done on this topic to better …