There are many options when it comes to biodegradable utensils. Some are made from renewable plant sources while others are 100% compostable. Others are made from recycled materials or wood. With so many alternatives available, however, it can be hard to decide on the best utensils to purchase.
Choosing the right type of cutlery is important whether you are looking to make a positive impression on your guests or are trying to make a difference in the environment.
Benefits of Biodegradable Utensils
There are several benefits to choosing biodegradable utensils over those made of petroleum-based plastic. In general, they are simply much better for the environment. Most specifically, they lessen pollution, use less energy, limit the use of nonrenewable resources, and produce less waste overall.
Less Pollution
The manufacturing of biodegradable plastics causes far less environmental pollution than that of petroleum-based plastics. In addition, when plastics made from biodegradable materials eventually break down, they decompose into elements that are nontoxic and harmless. In fact, they create far fewer greenhouse gases than those plastics made from petroleum-based materials, creating only about 32% of those created by petroleum-based ones.
Less Energy
Biodegradable plastics require just 35% of the energy necessary to make petroleum-based plastics.
Fewer Nonrenewable Resources
There are approximately 200,000 barrels of oil used every single day in order to keep up with the manufacturing of plastics made from petroleum-based products. By using products made from biodegradable materials, there can be a marked reduction in the use of nonrenewable resources.
Less Waste
Using plastics that are biodegradable overwhelming aids in the reduction of waste. They can be used in compost heaps rather than being placed in traditional landfills. That compost can then be turned into fertilizer for future use, instead of lying in a landfill for the foreseeable future.