Have a Greener Picnic with Biodegradable Cutlery

Love picnics but feel guilty about throwing out the plastic forks and knives? Made using petroleum-based products, they take a very long time to decompose and are not easily recycled. However, some companies have begun to respond to the demand for ecologically responsible alternatives to plastic cutlery and tableware, using all-natural and renewable materials such as vegetable starches and wood.

Located in Scotland, Vegware produces knives, forks and spoons that are made from corn and potato starches. You can use them more than once and even wash them. Once you're done, into the compost they go. They are fully biodegradable, "achieving 34.2% and 65.6% biodegradation after 45 and 93 days respectively." The company also offers a variety of other products, such as plates, takeout boxes and cups, all made from natural starches and fibres that can hold up to every food temperature and consistency.

Here in Canada, Aspenware offers wooden cutlery, made from real birch and aspen held together by an adhesive that is safe for consumption. No chemicals are present on the cutlery, and they're designed for light reuse and eventual composting. They break down fully in approximately 65 days. The wood used for the cutlery is taken from already-harvested trees and, what's more, since the end product is very small, a large amount of wood is not necessary. The company assures us the cutlery will not transfer a wooden taste to your food, either.

Both companies offer their products at prices that are a bit higher than traditional plastic cutlery, but it's reasonable considering the plastic you're keeping out of the garbage. Being ecologically responsible at your next picnic or barbecue doesn't have to break the bank!

Sources:
Vegware
Aspenware

Photo courtesy of Vegware

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Have a Greener Picnic with Biodegradable Cutlery

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