SubscribeSpudware: Biodegradable Cutlery
Over the next few years more and more biodegradable food packaging will become available. A number of suppliers (in the US) have begun stocking "Spudware" - a range of cutlery made from 80% vegetable starch and 20% soy or other vegetable oils.
Spudware can be washed and re-used and is also heat-resistant. The price is not too bad either - a set of 50 knives, forks, and spoons can be ordered for $21 from Treecycle.
The same company (Excellent Packaging and Design) also make spudware plates and hot cup lids.
I can't be the only person who wonders how many takeaway coffee cups end up in landfill - with the petroleum-based plastic lids sitting there for who knows how long?
The Flip Side
Of course - like biofuels - we then shift our consumption from oil-based products to agricultural products. If the agricultural practices fail to maintain sustainable land-use principles - then we are going round in circles.
How much in the way of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are used to cultivate a crop grown for biodegradable packaging?
And what about our disposable culture? Once upon a time our eating habits never required the use of disposable containers.
However - since we are already knee-deep in throwaway plastic - these vegetable-based utensils are an excellent product.
Hmmm.... If you're going to wash and re-use your Spudware, why not use a real fork, spoon, or knife instead?
ReplyWedding reception for 200 people. Let's say it's self-catered. You'd have to own 200 forks or knives, etc., in order to pull that one off. Or maybe ask everyone to bring utensils, but that's not very classy.
ReplyI think it would be a lot easier and better just to use metal forks and spoons as they can be easily washed. Some things we use to easy our work load but if more people just washed stuff less things would be thrown away. I am all for sticking with metal forks and spoons.
Replyi've used these at the ucla student union dining areas. they are great (works just like regular plastic-ware) and helps a bit towards the green cause :)
ReplyI am inspired to hear this... at least there are manufacturers out there who are trying to be a part of the solution rather that the problem. ;)
ReplyI would just rather use my stainless steel cutlery. Hey, if the tines on the fork get bent, at least I can recycle it very easily. But if you're going to be using plastic forks for an event (like a party or something), I could see using these so you at least do something kinda good for the environment. I wonder if they're dishwasher safe?
ReplyI'd say the potato starch utensils work even better than the plastic. They feel sturdier, in my experience.
ReplyThe first experience I had with this "Spudware" was at the Wakarusa Music festival in KS (of all places!). Wakarusa was showing considerable effort to be green. Along with making recycling bins convenient, all the utensils available from food vendors in the festival grounds were Spudware. I guarantee I wouldn't have carried around my metal fork and spoon all day....
The vendor warned me that it was potato starch, and that I could conceivably 'turn it back into potatoes' if I used if for a really long time. This, of course, inspired me to suck on that dang spoon well after my meal was finished with no discernable degradation. I say yay! for Spudware. It's at least a step in the right direction.
Replyi say this is pretty nifty, but i think metal utensils are easier and better to own. you can re-use over and over.
spudware is good for our environment so i guess its ok.
Replywhy should we use it though ?
These are not for use at your home, but at a concert or something like that.
Reply