The other day, as I was shopping for kitchen supplies for my new apartment, I came across a box of drinking glasses. The box was simple and utilitarian: it was made with cardboard and printed on with black ink, and it was labeled “Eco-friendly” at the bottom, proudly displaying the words, “Made with recycled cardboard and soy ink.”

Immediately I thought, “That’s great! Soy ink is a much more sustainable printing solution!” Then I realized that I had no clear idea of what traditional ink is made from and put the box back down, feeling too ashamed to continue shopping. Well, as it turns out, soy-based ink is indeed better for the environment and easier to recycle than the average petroleum-based ink, but the point stands that, at least at first, we all fall for the words on the package. Read the full story