Out with the styrofoam and plastic dinnerware products and in with wood, bamboo, palm leaf and sugarcane pulp. You probably already know that disposable dinnerware is responsible for quite a bit of landfill waste. From the packaging to the actual dinnerware disposable dinnerware creates large amounts of plastic. However, there are better alternatives of single-use plastic dinnerware products. You’ve likely begun seeing many of these zero waste compostable dinnerware options in stores.
Let’s start with the disposable wood option. While wood is biodegradable, it has been the topic of debate as to whether or not its the most environmentally friendly. Compared to plastic, wood is clearly the more eco friendly option. However, some argue that wood isn’t exactly light on the environment as it results in more fallen trees.
Yet, while global deforestation is one of the major contributors to climate change and loss of wildlife habitat most paper products come from production forests. According to EcoEnclose, production forests are fast growing wood growing operations with harvesting cycles of 5-10 years.
For the most part, these production forests are said to have a positive environmental impact. One way is that seedlings and growing trees capture carbon more effectively than the agricultural land. Because there are more trees harvested than used the result is the benefit of more capture carbon. Secondly, using the production approach means wood products can be created without any need to log in old forests.
Next up for discussion are the other biodegradable dinnerware products including bamboo, palm leaves and sugarcane pulp. Bamboo is a well known eco friendly source as it is biodegradable, compostable, renewable, durable and doesn’t require the use of any harmful chemicals.
Meanwhile, palm leaves are new on the scene. Palm leaf dinnerware is biodegradable and compostable. They are heat, grease, and puncture-resistant. Best of all they are microwave safe.
Lastly, is sugarcane pulp. Like palm leaves, sugarcane pulp is also microwaveable. It’s renewable, compostable and biodegradable.
Bottom line, there are an array of eco-friendly options for single use dinnerware well worth trying. It’s not just better for the environment, but in the case of bamboo it’s better for you as there are no harsh chemicals used. So when you plan your next dinner party or pick up disposable dinnerware for the shear convenience consider some of these safe alternatives.
Do you use zero waste compostable dinnerware? Which type do you use?
