Yes, litter is a problem. But in the same article, note the impact for HDPE with a biodegradable additive for a marginal cost. Just saying there are many options, that's all.

Yes, I picked cotton because it's considered the luxury choice (given the context) and usually the one sold as the most environmentally friendly. Ie non bleached, organic, sustainably sourced etc that you don't usually see with plastic alternatives. (I did mean to make a point, but not mislead.)

Which is kinda my point... Plastics can fill a proper need and still be the most "green" choice. Same with paper or any "disposable".

But back to HDPE... Most people even reuse these at least once at home. And ignoring that, the nearest competitor is still twice the impact.

I'm not saying alternatives are bad, just that people need to be open to the fact that sometimes the unexpected alternative can be best.

And conversely, the "green" luxury alternative might actually be worst.