Are paper and wooden disposables really eco-friendly?

Paper and wooden straws, spoons, or cups are now seen as an “eco-friendly” alternative to plastic, but the issue is far from simple. Supporters point out that they decompose faster, reducing the risk of lingering in the oceans for hundreds of years. Critics, however, note that their production requires not only deforestation but also massive amounts of water and energy – often more than plastic. On top of that, there’s the inconvenient fact: most paper cups have a PE or PLA coating, which makes them non-recyclable and leaves them ending up in landfills. So isn’t this just “greenwashing,” a clever marketing trick to ease our consciences?