Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Plastic Cutlery Alternatives
Plastic cutlery is one of the most common items found on landfill sites. It's estimated that around 40 million plastic forks, knives and spoons are used and thrown away each day in the United States alone. And while they may be convenient, the truth is that they're doing severe damage to our environment.
The detrimental effects of plastic pollution are well-documented at this point. Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, and in that time, it can do serious damage to the environment and wildlife. Unfortunately, plastic is ubiquitous in our society.
Harmful Effects of Plastic Cutlery
As the world becomes more aware of the devastating effects of plastic pollution, many people are looking for ways to reduce their reliance on this harmful material. One area where plastic is commonly used is in disposable cutlery.
Plastic cutlery is incredibly harmful to the environment. It is made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and requires a large amount of energy and water to produce. Once used, it usually ends up in a landfill where it will take hundreds of years to decompose.
Plastic cutlery is also harmful because it often contains toxic chemicals like BPA and PVC. These chemicals can leach into food and drinks, which can be dangerous for human health. Some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
The Production of Plastic Cutlery and the Resources Required
It takes a lot of resources and power to produce plastic cutlery. The process begins with extracting fossil fuels like natural gas and crude oil from the ground. These raw materials are then transported to factories and turned into the finished product.
The manufacturing process for plastic cutlery is energy-intensive, and the process of turning crude oil into plastic emits greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere that contribute to climate change. What's more, most plastic cutlery is only used once before being thrown away. This means that the vast majority of plastic forks, knives and spoons end up in landfill sites, where they can take centuries to break down.
So what's the solution? One way to reduce your impact is to choose eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. There are several eco-friendly options out there that are worth considering.
Alternatives: Eco-friendly Disposable Cutlery
Plastic forks, knives, and spoons are commonly used at events or in takeout situations. Many eco-friendly alternatives to plastic cutlery are just as convenient and affordable as plastic. Before composting or recycling, you can reuse bamboo, wooden, or metal cutlery multiple times.
If you're searching for a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic cutlery, consider the following:
1. Compostable Cutlery
One popular alternative to plastic cutlery is compostable cutlery. This type of cutlery is made from natural materials like corn starch or bamboo and will break down in a compost bin within a few months. Compostable cutlery is an excellent option if you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative that you can quickly dispose of.
2. Paper Cutlery
Paper cutlery is another popular eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Paper forks, knives, and spoons can be composted or recycled along with other paper products. Paper cutlery is a good option if you're looking for something compostable and recyclable.
3. Reusable/ Recyclable Cutlery
Another option is reusable cutlery. This includes metal or bamboo forks, knives, and spoons that can be washed and used again. Reusable/ Recyclable cutlery are excellent options if you're looking for something more durable than compostable options. However, they does require more care and cleaning.
Bamboo cutlery is one option that's becoming increasingly popular. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that doesn't require the use of pesticides or fertilizers to thrive.
Are Compostable Products Right For Me?
Compostable products are tested to meet the ASTM 6400 or 6868 standards for commercial composting. They are intended for disposal in commercial composting facilities and will not break down in a landfill or other environments. Commercial composting is not available in all areas, and different states have different requirements for composting. Please check locally to ensure you have access to commercial composting before purchasing compostable products.
Take Charge Today!
Next time you're reaching for a plastic fork or spoon, think about the environmental impact it could have. Many eco-friendly alternatives are just as accessible and more convenient. An increasing number of businesses and households are converting to these sustainable options. By switching to eco-friendly cutlery, you'll be doing your bit to help protect our planet. And you can help reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the world.
Green Paper Products offers a wide selection of eco-friendly disposable cutlery options for businesses and homes. Our selection of compostable and recyclable forks, knives, spoons and sporks are perfect for those looking for a more sustainable cutlery option. We also carry several wooden spoon varieties, which are made from renewable resources and don’t interfere with the taste of your food. Browse our selection of eco-friendly cutlery today and take a positive step toward reducing your footprint!
