The Environmental Impacts of Plastic Cutlery

Non-Biodegradable

Plastic cutlery is made from non-biodegradable materials, which means they will not break down naturally in the environment. Estimates suggest that plastic could take centuries to break down, posing a significant threat to the environment.

And over time, plastic cutlery accumulates in landfills and water sources, contributing to pollution and harm to wildlife.

Air Pollution

The production of plastic cutlery emits greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. Climate change is also a major threat to humans and wildlife. In addition, the manufacturing process of plastics consumes fossil fuels and leads to their depletion.

Water Pollution

Plastic cutlery can end up in the ocean due to problems such as littering, inadequate waste disposal systems, and fragmentation of larger plastic items. Once in water sources, plastic cutlery poses a threat to marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and suffocation.

Human Health Issues

Plastic cutlery can release toxic chemicals such as biphenyl A, phthalates, etc. when exposed to higher temperatures and heat, adversely affecting the health of the food being served and the people eating the food.

Benefits of Environmentally Friendly Cutlery

Biodegradable

Environmentally friendly and biodegradable cutlery is mostly made of renewable resource materials such as sugar cane pulp, wood, bamboo, corn starch, and paper pulp. A more sustainable option, they can break down naturally in the environment, reducing pollution.

Safety & Health

The environmentally friendly cutlery is unbreakable, sturdy, and made of food-grade materials. When used with high-temperature food, they will not release any toxins or chemicals, so they will not adversely affect human health. They are 100% environmentally friendly and healthy.

Compostable And Energy Efficient

Biodegradable cutlery has real environmental benefits. They leave no toxic chemicals or residue and degrade over time, releasing earth-friendly nutrients back into the soil.

The materials used in eco-friendly cutlery are renewable and therefore do not deplete the earth's natural resources. Manufacturers of biodegradable cutlery will be more mindful of their carbon footprint and may take steps to reduce the greenhouse gases they produce.

Conclusion

With the negative factors that plastic brings to humans and living things, people are aware of the impact of traditional plastic cutlery on the environment, contributing to the rise of environmentally friendly alternative tableware. More and more people are choosing renewable and recyclable alternative eco-friendly cutlery to reduce their impact on the environment:

Wooden Cutlery

Birch is resistant to both high and low temperatures and produces cutlery that is naturally smooth and does not splinter, so it does not require any chemicals for surface treatment. The material is lightweight and can be taken with you when traveling or attending events and parties. Plus, it’s easily recyclable and 100% biodegradable.

Bamboo Cutlery

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth and is highly resilient, lightweight, and flexible. Compostable and will biodegrade within weeks to months. Forks, spoons, and knives made from bamboo are very strong.

Sugar Cane Pulp Cutlery

Bagasse is the residue left after the juice is extracted from sugar cane. The fibrous nature of bagasse makes it a good raw material for making disposable tableware. Bagasse cutlery is made from agricultural waste, they are biodegradable and compostable and have a low impact on the environment.

Using sustainably produced and environmentally friendly cutlery is a good start for green and ecological development. ​

If you are interested in learning about and purchasing high-quality, environmentally friendly knives, forks, and spoons, please contact JFB Craft. ​

We offer a variety of eco-friendly and biodegradable products, from eco-friendly cutlery and bamboo skewers to sugarcane pulp dinner plates and more.