Why aren’t we using regular plates? Man reveals cheaper alternatives for paper plates. Not all agree

Photo by@thefuriousfounder/TikTok Africa Studio/Adobe Stock

A man is viral after sharing a money-saving alternative to paper plates, but some viewers are warning against the idea.

TikTok user @thefuriousfounder posted the video, which has over 5.7 million views, on Sep. 30. It shows the TikToker at a Walmart complaining about the high cost of paper plates.

“Check this out. We use paper plates a lot at our house just so we don’t have to do the dishes. We’re on the go quite a bit. They’ve gotten insanely expensive,” he says, pointing out a pack of 100 Great Value paper plates that cost nearly $10.

He then reveals his newfound solution: Heavy-duty paper food trays. “We’ve been buying these things, 500 of them for $21. Instead of paying 10 cents a plate, you’re paying, like, 4 cents a plate, and they’re great,” he explains.

Next, he presents a container of Sam's Club's Member's Mark food trays. The TikTuber praises their adaptability, mentioning they're suitable for microwaving a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, and chicken strips.

Commenters share their thoughts

In the discussion area of the video, numerous viewers began highlighting the adverse impacts of disposable food trays and paper plates on nature.

“Imagine if there was some kind of reusable plate, you could wash, and use again and again, for years?” one commenter quipped sarcastically. Another commenter echoed a similar sentiment, asking, “You don’t have time to wash what like four plates?”

A third commenter remarked, “I use a regular plate and wash afterwards because of the environment. Just a thought.”

The video, which now has over 6,400 comments, also left many European TikToker users astonished.

“And in Germany we’re trying to rescue the world by banning straws,” one of them wrote.

Another user commented, “This is why we in Europe have to think about the environment, because the United States don’t.”

@thefuriousfounder responded to the backlash by making claims about climate change that are unsupported by scientific evidence.