When it comes to having to choose between using paper plates, cups versus using ceramic plates, cups, it all depends on your personal preferences. Of course, ceramic plates and cups are more eco friendly to use because they are reusable and can be reused many times unless broken. Only some water and dish washing soap is used to clean the ceramic plates and cups. Then they can be left to dry, ready to be used again. With this method there is very little wastage or damage done to our earth environment.
On the other hand, paper plates cups can take quite some natural resources to manufacturer. If you are concerned about damaging the environment, then this method is not right for you because it uses natural resources to produce paper plates cups. If you have money to spare and can afford it, paper plates cups are very convenient and doesn't need any washing on your part. However, you may want to recycle your paper plates and cups. You cannot just throw the dirty plates cups into the recycle bin. You need to wash them first and clean them properly before you can recycle them. The garbage recycling facilities will not recycle the paper plates cups if it is dirty. Else you can throw them in your garbage bin directly if you plan on not washing them. When it comes to which method is cheaper, I say using ceramic plates cups is surely the best way to go.