There were 54 billion plastic food service products sold in the U.S. in 1986. The aim of the Suffolk law is to force a switch to paper products instead of plastic. On this basis, paper is clearly a better choice. Moreover, since some fast food companies already use paper, everyone knows paper can do the job. However, as Ms. de Coninck's report shows, the vast majority of paper used in the food industry is virgin paper, not recycled.
Recycled paper uses less energy in manufacture, creates less pollution, and employs more workers.
However, even recycled paper is second best. Ms. de Coninck reminds us that the best food service material is still china. We should discourage disposable food service products wherever possible. Lastly, we should think of what's needed vs. what's cute. As Ms. de Coninck points out, in England fish and chips are served in tissue paper wrapped in newspaper.