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Cardboard Vs. Plastic

The environmental impact of plastics versus paper products, such as cardboard, have been in question since the 1990s. The "cardboard or plastic" question also extends to the realms of food freshness and storage.

Environment
- Most plastics can be recycled, but plastic types cannot be mixed for recycling.
  
  Plastic and cardboard both have an effect on the environment. Both can be recycled, but cardboard has an added benefit of being biodegradable. Cardboard also leaves a bigger carbon footprint than plastic. The Guardian Environment Network explains that as of 2010, 85 percent of Riverford Organic's packaging footprint comes from cardboard production and recycling.
Milk
- Clear plastic milk containers can let in harmful amounts of light.
  
  Light destroys vitamin A and riboflavin, but cardboard cartons keep most light from hitting milk or eggs inside. Colored cartons keep most light out as well, but according to Penn State, milk in clear or semi-transparent plastic jugs can lose 70 percent of its vitamin A and 20 percent of its riboflavin in three days.
Storage
- Cardboard boxes are less sturdy than plastic storage containers.
  
  Plastic boxes remain sturdier for longer periods of time than cardboard boxes and hold up against the elements better. Snow or water leaks damage cardboard containers while causing little to no harm to plastic boxes. Cardboard boxes cost less than plastic, however, but need to be replaced more often than plastic containers.

Nature