Choosing an Ice Cream Cone Offers a Simple Eco-Friendly Benefit

(SeaPRwire) –   As summer approaches, ice cream enthusiasts face the classic dilemma: cup or cone? It turns out the more delicious choice may also be the better one for the environment.

What is the environmental impact of a cup of ice cream?

Plastic is deeply ingrained in our daily lives, making it hard to escape. Research published in the journal One Earth indicates that plastic food and beverage packaging, such as disposable cups and wrappers, represents the most prevalent type of litter on global coastlines. Globally, over 300 million tons of plastic are manufactured annually, with roughly half intended for single-use purposes.

Although paper cups may appear benign, their environmental footprint is significant.

“Paper cups frequently feature a plastic film or lining to provide waterproofing,” explains Erica Cirino, communications manager for the Plastic Pollution Coalition and author of Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis.

This lining is not biodegradable. Cirino notes, “While the paper component may break down over months or years, the plastic film simply fragments into smaller particles known as microplastics.”

What are other ways to avoid single-use products this summer?

There are additional adjustments you can make this summer to minimize your reliance on single-use plastics.

“Any single-use item carries a heavier environmental burden than a reusable alternative because it inevitably generates waste,” says Cirino.

When heading out in the heat, bring a reusable water bottle to bypass the need for store-bought plastic bottles. Carry a reusable thermos to your neighborhood coffee shop to keep your iced coffee chilled while reducing plastic waste, and bring your own cutlery to avoid the plastic utensils typically provided with takeout orders.

How can you reduce the climate impact of your ice cream cone this summer?

To enjoy a more sustainable dessert, patronize a local ice cream parlor to minimize the environmental costs associated with long-distance transport and refrigeration; local businesses are more inclined to source dairy from nearby farms, which lowers emissions. You might also consider a dairy-free alternative, as cow’s milk production generates up to three times the greenhouse gas emissions and consumes roughly two to 20 times the freshwater compared to plant-based options.

The next time you head out for a treat, opt for a cone. As Cirino suggests, “It’s a great reason to treat yourself.”