The environmental impact, degradation, and chemical composition of paper and plastic are complex and multi-dimensional.

Environmental Impact:

Paper: The main environmental impacts of paper production include deforestation, water resource consumption and pollution, energy consumption, and the generation of solid waste. However, paper production also has its eco-friendly aspects because paper is a biodegradable material with abundant natural resources, relatively simple manufacturing process, and can be naturally decomposed and recycled after use.

Plastic: The production process of plastic may involve significant energy consumption and hazardous gas emissions. Additionally, plastic waste accumulation in the environment could lead to long-term pollution problems such as oceanic plastic pollution. However, if plastic is properly recovered and processed, its environmental impact can be significantly reduced.

Degradation:

Paper: Paper is a biodegradable material that can quickly decompose under natural conditions, which helps reduce waste accumulation and long-term environmental impacts.

Plastic: Plastic degradation speed is relatively slow, sometimes taking decades to centuries to fully decompose. This leads to plastic waste accumulation in the environment for an extended period, potentially causing harm to ecosystems and wildlife.

In terms of degradation, paper has a clear advantage because its biodegradability helps reduce waste accumulation and long-term environmental impacts.

Chemical Composition:

Paper: The main components of paper are cellulose and other natural chemical compounds that widely exist in nature. These substances have relatively small potential risks for the environment and human health.

Plastic: Plastic's chemical composition may include some harmful substances, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), lead-based pigments, and phthalates, which can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, potentially causing harm to humans. Additionally, plastic accumulation in the environment over a long period could also pose risks to ecosystems and wildlife.

In terms of chemical composition's impact on the environment and human health, paper may have relatively smaller potential risks compared to plastic because its main components are natural substances. However, this depends on the types and amounts of chemicals used during paper production.

Therefore, in environmental impact, degradation, and chemical composition aspects, paper has an advantage over plastic. However, it is still necessary to pay attention to reducing environmental impacts during paper production and use processes. Paper's biodegradability gives it an edge over plastic, but this also depends on the manufacturing process and recycling handling conditions.