5 Must-Have Features in a biodegradable cutlery wholesale
7 Materials Used to Produce Disposable Cutlery and Their ...
Despite criticism of disposable cutlery, sometimes we cant avoid it. Can you imagine organizing a party at the office and bringing your own silverware and china from home? Or are there thousands of people eating food? This is not feasible. Sometimes disposable cutlery is unavoidable, and this is the only time you should use it. In fact, the concern about contamination and safety is that all of us should consider cutlery before opting for disposables.
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In this article, we will explore 7 materials used to produce disposable tableware and their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, well tell you whats your best bet
Disposable Cutlery Materials: Pros and Cons
1) Paper
Speaking of disposables, paper sounds like a good choice since its mostly made from natural materials. But its better to find some recycled paper that is truly eco-friendly. In fact, recycled paper contains fewer chemicals, does not cause deforestation, and uses 40% less energy in the production process.
Paper cannot be used for any type of disposable cutlery like cutlery, but it can be a viable option for other types of items.
Another disadvantage of paper is that even recycled products can be bleached with chlorine or similar, a process that can disperse harmful fumes in the environment.
2) Plastic
Plastic is the most common material when it comes to disposable tableware. Disposable cutlery is usually made of polypropylene or polystyrene. Compared with other types of disposable tableware, its advantages lie in its hardware characteristics, as well as its high availability in the market. Plastic is a difficult material to recycle, for single-use items and anything else. Some types of plastic are not recycled by local councils, such as polystyrene1. Plastic can take up to 1,000 years to break down, and when that happens, it leaves contaminants in soil and water.
Another disadvantage is the use of chemicals in the production process, so there is the potential for food contamination, especially when plastics are used with hot food and beverages.
3) PLA plastic
Also known as polylactic acid, this is an eco-friendly plastic made from various renewable resources, depending on the country of production, such as cornstarch, starch, sugar cane and potato chips. This is one of the most commonly used biodegradable plastics in the world. This plastic, also known as corn plastic because of its origin, can be composted in proper facilities without releasing any harmful fumes in the process. Part from eco-friendly pla plastic, its also great for hot food. The downside is that it is not composted in nature, in fact, it has to be sent to a specific plant to dispose of it. It can also seriously contaminate other recyclable items if confused wrong.
4) Bamboo
Bamboo disposable tableware is environmentally friendly due to its main material, bamboo grows fast, so it is not too bad to use this material. These items are also biogradable and compostable.
Even this has an innocent look to the harsh chemicals and dyes used to get the finished product. Another disadvantage of bamboo is its fragile nature, the fact that one may use more than one fork, for example, because it will break, so more waste needs to be taken into account.
5) Wood
Some wooden disposable tableware is so similar to bamboo that youd be hard-pressed to notice the difference.
Again, the advantages of wooden disposable tableware are related to its raw material, which is green and compostable. A variety of woods can be used to achieve the final product, and unlike bamboo, no harsh chemicals are required. Wood is also delightful to see and recall an eco-friendly idea. Its also great to use with hot food.
However, due to deforestation, wood for single use appears to be a waste, so recycled wood is a better option. Wood is not very strong, which is why people need to be aware that debris may end up on their food. Also, some types of wood may release some oil.
6) Sugar cane (bagasse)
This is a by-product derived from the production of sugar cane products, basically sugar cane fiber. Its a spectacular eco-friendly option because it doesnt involve using trees. Bagasse products are fully compostable and decompose within 60-90 days. This product is a solid alternative to paper bowls and cups as it is also heat resistant. Its also an option for takeaway restaurants because of their plates.
However, you wont be able to find bagasse cutlery, so sugar cane isnt yet the solution for all disposable cutlery. Also, its not ideal for food/drinks in high heat.
(7) Stainless steel coating and reusable
Stainless steel coated disposable cutlery is by far the most effective because it is high performance and extremely durable. So it wont break, so its safer.
Typically, this disposable is not painted, but stainless steel, and in fact, no chemicals are used on the outside. Stainless steel is also a sustainable and recyclable material. But the real strength of this cutlery is its reusability. Stainless steel coated tableware products are believed to change everything from single-use designs to extended lifespans.
Reusability is always better than one use. Lastly, lets say that its clear that sometimes we do need to use disposable cutlery, but the choice of which one to use is ours. Products that can be reused, like Vinzor Wood Products, can be reused up to 100 times, which is definitely a more environmentally friendly option.
25 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products You Must Have to Live a ...
If you want to live more sustainably, we cannot think of a better place to start your journey than transforming your kitchen into an eco-friendly haven.
As the heart of a home where everyone in the family comes together to cook and eat, the kitchen offers plenty of areas where you can minimize your carbon footprint. By ditching single-use, toxic plastics in favor of reusable, chemical-free, natural products and composting the leftovers, we can do a lot of good for our health and the planet.
Today, weve rounded up 25 greener alternatives for a kitchen that matches your eco-conscious ethos. So, lets jump right in!
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Sustainable Kitchen Products: 25 Clever and Earth-Friendly Inventions Your Kitchen Must Have
Reusable, compostable, organic, vegan, made from recycled material - weve got a whole list of eco-friendly kitchen products that are easy on the planet and so convenient that youll never miss single-use items again. Read on to know what they are:
1. Paperless Kitchen Towels
Lets kick off with one of the most hardworking kitchen tools - A kitchen towel. The idea is to go paperless and move away from disposable towels and opt for reusable ones. Our dainty plaid kitchen towels or flour sack kitchen towels are made from 100% organic cotton, making them highly absorbent, super functional, and versatile.
The organic cotton fabric is produced with carbon-neutral methods without harsh chemicals. You can use these towels for cleaning, wiping, drying, as well as serving the food. Plus, these machine-washable towels come with a loop to place them on a hook or handle.
2. Muslin Produce Bags
If single-use plastic produce bags have been a part of your kitchen, its time to let them go. Instead, opt for low-impact, high-quality reusable produce bags. These reusable bags are crafted using the natural and highly-breathable muslin or mesh fabric to extend the life of your fruits and veggies naturally. Use them to carry produce from the farmers market. They can even be used in the refrigerator to keep the items fresh for days. When not in use, simply stash them in a drawer or use them to store other dry items.
3. Beeswax Food Wraps
These are winning hearts for their ability to eliminate single-use aluminum foils and cling wraps from our kitchens. We love these adorable-looking wraps from Bees Wrap, made from an ultra-thin layer of certified organic cotton coated with responsibly sourced beeswax, organic oils, and tree resin. Seal your food in these and wash them with mild soap and cold water to reuse them. Its as easy as that!
4. Bamboo Cooking Utensils
While you may already have a trusty set of cooking utensils at home, just in case youre scouting for more, might we suggest opting for wooden utensils instead of non-biodegradable plastic ones? How about trying Riveiras cooking set made from natural and highly renewable bamboo? These sturdy, practical spoons and spatulas are up for whatever task you put them to. With bamboos moisture-wicking qualities, you dont even have to worry about them attracting mold.
5. Swedish Dishcloth
Heres an interesting piece of trivia for you: A Swedish dishcloth can soak up to 20 times its weight! Meaning that it can easily replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels.
Need more reasons to get these eco-friendly, not to mention beautifully patterned dishcloths?
Then here they are - These super absorbent towels are made from a mix of cotton and cellulose wood pulp, making them 100% biodegradable. You can wash them in the washer or the top drawer of the dishwasher.
Whats more, once youre finally done with them, you can compost them with the food scraps.
Do you know? What is a white tea towel? Find out how theyre different from dish towel.
6. Reusable Cloth Bowl Covers
Another surefire way to make your kitchen more eco-friendly is cutting down on disposable plastic cling wrap and aluminum foils by replacing them with reusable bowl covers. These are made from 100% flax linen and come with elastic to hug bowls of various sizes and protect the contents inside. A pack of these should be enough to cover multiple dishes and keep dust, flying insects, and creepy crawlies miles away.
7. Reusable Muslin Tea Bags
Make tea time healthy and sustainable with cotton muslin tea bags. Ordinary tea bags are known to be a major source of microplastics that are neither good for our health nor the planet. On the other hand, these clever little tea bags made from unbleached, non-toxic, food-grade quality muslin are plastic-free and can be used over and over again.
8. Mesh Onion Bags
Like muslin produce bags, mesh bags with convenient drawstring closure are useful for carrying and storing produce. Unpeeled onions require good airflow to stay fresh for longer. And theres nothing better than airy mesh onion bags to keep them crisp and fresh at room temperature as well inside a refrigerator. Besides onions, mesh produce bags work well in storing virtually any dry item you can get at a grocers or farmers market, from apples to nuts to plants.
9. Silicone Baking Cups and Muffin Liners
While silicone cant match a natural materials sustainability, its reusability, versatility, and durability fit well in a circular economy. Plus, its production creates a lower impact than plastic. So, if youre looking for a way out from using single-use paper muffin liners, parchment paper, and tin foils in your baking routine, then silicone baking products are worth exploring. These are made from food-grade silicone and are easy to use and reuse.
10. Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags
You can say bye to disposable brown paper bags and single-use plastic wraps by stocking up on a few reusable cloth zipper bags for your kitchen. We love Stashers bags. These easy-to-use pinch-loc bags are made from silicone free of BPA, BPS, latex, and lead. Use them for meal preps, carrying lunch, or storing leftovers. According to Stashers, one of these can save up to 260 single-use plastic bags a year!
It is best to opt for a canvas lunch bag as an ideal alternative to be used as your sandwich and snake bag.
Related Article: Upcycling vs Recycling
11. Multi-Purpose Cotton Cheesecloth
Nothing beats having a kitchen tool like a nut milk bag that can take on multiple tasks. Say hello to cotton cheesecloth - the highly versatile kitchen workhorse made from ultra-fine and unbleached cotton that can do so much more than help with making cheese. You can use them to bundle and store herbs, strain soups and stocks, make plant-based milk, polish silverware, filter coffee, help with turkey basting, cover food - phew! Is there anything that cheesecloth cannot do?
12. Zero Waste Vegan Dish Soap
When youre thinking of bringing more sustainability to your cooking space, you also need to think about cleaning products. Dish detergents are chock full of chemicals that pollute the waterways and harm marine life. They also come in plastic containers that end up in landfills. Thats why were obsessed with No Tox Lifes vegan dish block, made of biodegradable ingredients, free of plastic packaging, and great at getting the grime and grease out of your dishes.
Related Article: Biodegradable vs. Compostable. Are Products Labeled Compostable and Biodegradable Eco-Friendly? Click on the link to find the answer.
13. Compostable Sponges
Speaking of cleaning products, how about replacing microplastic-shedding dish scrubs with earth-friendly ones? The UK-based Composty makes 100% compostable and plastic-free sponges from natural cellulose that are tough on grime and grease but not your utensils. Theyre washable and reusable; at the end of their useful life, just toss them in the compost bin.
14. Collapsible Coffee Cup
Sip your coffee in style with a collapsible coffee tumbler by Stojo. A game-changer in cutting the single-use coffee takeaway cups that take years to decompose in a landfill. This 12-ounce leak-proof tumbler made from silicone is reusable and comes with a heat sleeve to keep the beverage hot. Carry this with you and ask the barista to fill it up with your favorite morning brew. No biggie!
15. Borosilicate Glass Bottle
As convenient as they seem, disposable PET water bottles are not good news for the planet. Their production generates significant emissions and waste, and they decompose, leaching toxic chemicals into waterways and soil. So, if youve been stocking up on disposable water bottles, its time to ditch them STAT. You can instead use this reusable glass bottle made from long-lasting borosilicate to hydrate yourself. It also comes with a bamboo lid for spill-proof water-sipping.
16. Linen Bread Storage Bags
Want to know an eco-friendly secret to keep your bread fresh for longer with all the goodness of its crust intact? Say hello to reusable bread bags made from 100% cotton linen. These breathable bags come with a drawstring closure to provide the perfect storage environment for your bread. You can choose from roomier sizes for artisanal loaves and sourdoughs or longer ones for baguettes. And when its time for a good clean, pop them in the washer and hang them dry.
17. Stainless Steel Mesh Pour Over Coffee Dripper
Your daily caffeine fix could be causing adding to pollution, whether its in the form of disposable coffee cups, pods, or paper filters. Thats why its time to get yourself a pour-over coffee dripper from Maranello. This no-frills manual coffee maker features an ultra-fine stainless steel micro mesh to extract the rich flavor from coffee grounds. The versatile design ensures you can brew your coffee over a cup, carafe, or thermos at home, at work, or on the go. Its also easy to clean, unlike coffee brewing machines.
18. SodaStream Sparkling Water Maker
Are you someone who simply cannot do without sparkling water or sodas? Then you need to get this wonderful kitchen appliance, pronto. No need to stock up on bottles and cans of fizzy water as with the SodaStream, you can make your favorite bubbly drinks at home.
19. Food Huggers
One thing thats really frowned upon in sustainable living is wasting food. With the ability to preserve your sliced fruits and veggies for longer, theres no denying that Food Huggers have been a game-changing kitchen invention of recent times. These flexible tools are made from BPA-free and food-safe silicone to create a snug seal around the food and slow down the perishing process in the fridge.
20. Non-Toxic Ceramic Cookware
Caraways wide range of non-stick ceramic-coated cookware is designed for healthy cooking. Not only do these pots and pans add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, but they are also ethically made and free of toxic chemicals that could leach into your food. The brand also says its production involves a significantly less carbon footprint than traditional cookware. Pretty impressive, huh?
21. Reusable Straw Set
Plastic straws can take up to 200 years to decompose, and with so many greener alternatives, theres no reason it should be a part of our lives anymore. You can use Hiwares lovely stainless steel straws that arrive with a slim brush to give them a good cleaning.
22. Energy Star Appliances
If youve been eyeing a new refrigerator or dishwasher, make sure that you only buy those with a high Energy Star rating. Such appliances are way more energy efficient than their non-rated or low-rated counterparts. Not only are these good for the planet, but they also help cut down on energy bills.
23. Multi-Purpose Canvas Grocery Bags
Next up on our list are our reusable grocery bags made from heavy-duty organic cotton canvas to make your trips to the supermarket more environmentally friendly. These bags feature multiple compartments to organize your shopping and come with convenient X-stitched handles for a comfortable carrying experience.
24. Reusable Piping Set
Calling all home bakers! Its time to up the sustainability quotient of your baking by ditching disposable piping bags. No, we dont want you to give up the frosting and icing of your baked goodies! Bring home a set of strong, reusable piping bags and tips, and be the green baker you were always meant to be.
25. Compost Bin or Caddy
You cant call a kitchen sustainable if it doesnt have a good ol compost bin. A compact compost bin or caddy should be good enough to gather your leftover food scraps and routinely transfer them into a composter. We recommend Simpehumans detachable countertop compost caddy, designed to hang on the side of your trash can.
Final Thoughts
Making your kitchen a place that supports your eco-conscious lifestyle will take small and steady changes. The last thing we want you to do is to go on a shopping spree, throw away all the no-nos, and replace them with all the eco-friendly kitchen products on this list. That would be simply wasteful. Building a sustainable lifestyle is a journey every day is a sweet victory.
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