paper vs. plastic: i can't decide

I get coffee first thing every morning. My day can't start without it. Fancying myself an evironmentalist of sorts, as well as a frugal West Michigander, I decided to purchase a mug at the coffee bar I frequent for $5.99, which then entitles me to $1.25 refills of their delicious coffees. I'm killing two birds with one stone. I'm saving the environment by keeping landfills clear of waste with my reusable mug, and saving myself a few coins while I'm at it. Win-win situation.

I'm afraid it is not quite that simple.

Lately, I've been plagued with doubts. We are constantly told to "reduce, reuse and recycle", but in some cases I firmly believe a disposable product can actually have less environmental impact than its reusable counterpart.

Let's analyze the plastic cup first. First the pros:

• it is theoretically infinitely reusable

And the "pros" pretty much stop there. It is reusable, therefore, it is around a lot longer before winding up in a landfill.

Now the cons:

• environmental impact of manufacturing process (i.e. pollutants & byproducts created)
  
• non-biodegradable
• made from non-renewable & artificial resources

Infinite reusability is, in theory, fantastic, but only good so long as you do in fact use the cup infinitely. The second the cup is thrown away, it is just another peice of non-biodegradable chemically-created plastic sitting in a landfill.

Now, let's take a look at the paper alternative. Pros:

• trees are a renewable resource
• while standing, trees provide oxygen, recycle carbon dioxide, prevent erosion, etc...
• paper is 100% biodegradable
• paper can be manufactured from post-consumer content
• paper degrades quickly in landfills

Cons:

• most cups are either wax or plastic coated, which has a questionable environmental impact
• they are not reusable, which means that a new one is necessary with each beverage, thus there will be a greater quantity in landfills
• paper mills have been previously shown to be grossly environmentally irresponsible in manufacturing process and waste disposal
• trees, though renewable, would still need to be cut down to produce the paper

I firmly believe most of these "cons" could be, and in some cases have been, addressed. Tighter EPA regulations have made the paper-making process more friendly, many cups now are un-coated or coated with a readily biodegradable substance, and logging companies are opting not to cut down old-growth and replanting in a more responsible manner.
There is no guarantee that any paper product is manufactured with post-consumer content or that the company behind the cup is replanting or not poisoning a river with waste. Consumers need to actively ask for products like Solo's ecologically-friendly line of hot cups.
Is paper the clear winner? Not yet--but it could be.