Switch to reusable utensils for on-the-go dining
Why This is Green
In a nation on the move, we eat a lot of our meals on the go. That means literally tons of disposable tableware—by some estimates enough single-use plastic forks, spoons, and knives are thrown away in America each year to circle the equator an astonishing 300 times!
That’s no picnic for the planet. Most of this cutlery is made from plastic, which is derived from petroleum and other non-renewable hydrocarbons. As soon as we’re done with our salad, it heads for the landfill. That’s wasteful enough, but not all of this fake flatware makes it there. Because disposable utensils are so small and lightweight, they can easily escape into the environment to create litter or, worse, marine pollution that harms ocean wildlife.
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How To
If you eat frequent meals on the go, your most sustainable bet is a set of reusable travel utensils. Made of everything from stainless steel to bamboo, these come in a handy portable storage pouch. Or, instead of buying something new, just tuck some of your dinnerware into a cloth napkin and put it in your purse or laptop bag.
Another option is “bio-plastic” tableware made from renewable corn, potatoes, and other vegetable sources, which can be composted in commercial facilities to create zero trash. Not all of us have access to those facilities.
If you’re stuck without reusables, look for disposable utensils made from recycled plastic. These aren’t perfect, but they can often be reused many times to serve up less waste.
Recommended Products
Preserve On the Go Cutlery
This cutlery set is made of 100% recycled #5 plastic, is 100% recyclable and can withstand hundreds of uses. Dishwasher safe and BPA free! Sign up for the Preserve Newsletter and become a fan of Preserve on Facebook.
