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 biodegradable 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. It’s also biodegradable, meaning it will break down naturally over time.

Our expansive line of biodegradable & compostable products are all made from plant-based materials which offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic. Choose from various sizes of compostable cups, compostable straws, compostable take out boxes ,compostable  salad bowl and so on.