In the past few years, the term “eco-friendly alternatives” getting more and more attention from both consumers and brands. So what is the reason behind the trend of boycotting plastic products?

Alarming situation of nature and actions

According to a report by Condor Ferries, every year the world produces 381 million tonnes of plastic waste, which is still showing signs of growing. This has resulted in over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste ending up in landfill or the ocean. This waste may take up to 1,000 years to decompose and have harmful substances to the natural environment around it when the process happens. Understanding the severity of the problem, governments and organizations worldwide have action together for the environment. Many countries have enacted special rules about using plastic products. For example, from July 1, 2022, India banned single-use plastic items that have low utility but are frequently littered around, such as plastic straws. The ban aims to curb plastic pollution since single-use plastic harms terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Banning the disposal of plastic utensils does not mean it will stop this industry from developing, it means a new opportunity will be opened for business.

Eco-alternatives to disposable plastic cutlery

Being environmentally conscious entails more than just manufacturing environmentally friendly goods. It is also about implementing sustainability into every stage of the product's lifetime, from source to disposal.

1. Recycled Cutlery

Recycled cutlery is the most well-known and easily accessible choice for beginners. With a low price and easy availability, this category of items is an excellent replacement for standard single-use plastic cutlery. However, this sort of product is not always environmentally friendly. Their confusing words may lead non-experts to believe that all recycled crockery is environmentally friendly. As a result, while selecting a recycled product, you should carefully consider the material's quality and how environmentally friendly it is.

If you find it difficult to distinguish between different plastic materials to determine which are acceptable for the environment and which are not, selecting plastic-free alternatives made from natural materials such as sugarcane, bamboo, and wooden cutlery may be a good choice.

1. Biodegradable/Compostable Cutlery

Another option that can be considered is biodegradable or compostable utensils. In the definition, these products are often advertised as having a limited negative impact on the environment and can be decomposed in nature easily.

But the truth is…

… no product can biodegrade on its own, and a bag labeled "bio" does not imply that it is beneficial for the environment. Because the majority of "compostable" plastic requires an industrial composting facility to break down (even if it is BPI certified). They will also not biodegrade in your backyard. Furthermore, most municipal composting facilities are unable to accept compostable or biodegradable utensils or packaging.

However, wood or plant-based cutlery may transform molecules into inorganic compounds like CO2, H2O, and biomass when exposed to bacteria, temperature, and humidity,... Although these products are not biodegradable on their own, they are still an excellent alternative because they do not harm the environment and do not contain chemicals.

1.  Edible Cutlery

Yes, that’s right, edible spoons! Edible cutlery is a fairly new alternative to plastic utensils. Edible spoons are made from a mixture of Jowar flour, rice, and wheat. They decompose very quickly, especially when you add water to them. Another way is to simply eat them!

Jowar spoon is innovative when It is eco-friendly and can be compostable. However, on the flip side, it is less practical to use. The spoon can only be used with dry food because it will readily lose its form and structure when used with moist food.

In addition, so far, only spoons have been successfully produced. Disposable forks and knives are yet to be developed. 

Every big changes start from a small step

You may avoid using plastic utensils with a little effort. Bring your own environmentally friendly cutlery if your favorite restaurant uses disposable plastic. Also, let the restaurant know that you like eating there but would want more sustainable alternatives. Restaurants will have to act when it begins to harm their company. And when businesses buy fewer plastic utensils, manufacturers will produce fewer.

Switch from plastic to eco-friendly cutlery can benefit you in different ways. The first and most important point is you will be able to save the planet, to save future generations. Using eco-friendly product also help you in the economic aspect. Wooden cutlery and Bamboo cutlery both have better quality and last longer when compared to plastic ones at the same price. Furthermore, in recent years many countries have applied special taxes for plastic products so their cost will be much higher. Overall, there are many types of eco-friendly cutlery options available in the market. Some are innovative and quick to biodegradable but lack practicality, some can make consumers confused about their actual quality. That is the reason why disposable wooden cutlery is the best practical, sustainable and eco-friendly option for the user.