I am also cognizant of the amount of waste our society generates. But perhaps these people generate the extra waste (which by the way is biodegradable and typically made from wood from tree farms which improve the environment), in order to conserve another prescious resource: water. There are many areas in this country where, either due to the climate or to increasing population, water is always in short supply.

The central issue here is probably less about environmental awareness, and more about learning to be gracious in the face of hospitality, as Prudie indicated. Also, using the paper plates eliminates the need for excess work (aka dish duty), making it easier to just relax and socialize. Key word: relax.

Couldn't they just recycle and then everyone would be happy?

Prudie is right , this lady should be thankful they are being hospitable. She is judging paper plates for goodness sake , and she just flew across the country. Sounds like double standards to me. I am thinking by the way the letter sounded , that if it wasn't the paper plates there would be another complaint anyhow.

I'm thinking she might be more upset because she thinks she doesn't rate "real" plates. I think she should just shut up and enjoy the visit.

Yup, she would probably rather see the housekeeper slave over a sink full of dishes, so she can be catered too. She mentioned their cabinets full of nice dishes and the fact they have a housekeeper. She even mentions she's not really an environmentalist. So why is she so upset about the "waste"?

Isn't that why people make a lot of money? So they can use whatever plates they want?

hehe

Seriously though, I remember seeing a show about a family in debt, and one of their MAJOR PURCHASES was plastic forks, plates, cups, spoons, etc. So in reality, they are spending MORE on this little darling of a woman.

I find it ironic that she traveled across the country and she is worried about a few plates. There are so many more things polluting about her story than plates. Not to mention what did they eat on the plates? Was it beef? Beef has a pretty high environmental hit.

Get educated lady, before your stupidity takes over.

Like Prudence, this commenter makes an obvious mistake. Wanton wastefulness should not be compared to traveling across the country to see relatives. Using disposable plates every day is pure self-indulgence and could be stopped without any negative consequence. At the very least the plates could be scraped off and recycled. Not traveling to see others is a whole different matter.

I would also suggest that one thing that makes family family is the fact that you should be able to communicate about such things without fear of horrible fallout.

On another note, this commenter's remarks exemplify all that is wrong with communication online. One is free to flaunt one's immaturity and hostility without social consequence. Act like this in face-to-face communication and you end up lonely or hanging around with goons.