Why should you consider using biodegradable utensils? Well, plastic utensils are one of the biggest contributors to pollution caused by single-use plastics. While convenient at times due to their low cost and easy cleanup, plastic utensils also come with a steep environmental price that you might not have fully considered.
In fact, according to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, it’s estimated that more than 100 million plastic utensils are used and thrown away by Americans every single day. Not only can these utensils take up to a thousand years to fully decompose, but they also leak harmful chemicals into our soil and water while doing so.
If this information has you wondering what other options are available, then you’ve come to the right place! There are plenty of biodegradable and compostable utensils available for you to use at your next event. And we promise they’ll do the job just as well, if not better, than your average plastic fork or spoon. Take a look at the top biodegradable utensils on the market below, and let us know if you need help choosing the right eco-friendly utensils for your next event!
Wooden Biodegradable Utensils
One of the most common plastic utensil alternatives are wooden utensils, which are biodegradable and even compostable depending on which you purchase. Wooden utensils have the benefit of being made from renewable resources without chemicals and being better for the environment once they’re thrown away, as wood breaks down much quicker than plastic. In fact, most wooden utensils will break down in about 90 days, even in home composting systems. This allows wooden cutlery to be used for creating nutrient-rich soil that can be used to fertilize other plants.
You might think that wooden utensils aren’t very sturdy, but if you find the right kind, they can stand up to all kinds of foods, including steak, raw veggies, and even hot liquids. We know different customers have different needs and VerTerra pioneered a full assortment of wooden cutlery Light, Medium, and Heavy weight and packaged cutlery kits at each level. Truly a great selection of wooden utensils here at VerTerra that are incredibly durable and great for any dish you plan to serve at your next event. Thanks to a special food-safe wax application, they also won’t give off that woody taste most people complain about with wooden silverware.
Hopefully, there will be more options available in the future, but for now these two biodegradable options remain at the top of our list. If you’re ready to purchase some biodegradable utensils for your next eco-friendly event, then head over to our cutlery section to find some great wooden utensils that you can feel good about using.
To speak with one of our distributors or a sales representative who can help you select the ideal biodegradable utensils, please email sales@verterra.com. We look forward to serving you!
The conversation about plastic pollution often brings to mind the image of floating bottles and bags in the ocean. But one of the most pervasive and insidious forms of plastic pollution is nearly invisible: microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic are everywhere—from the depths of the ocean to the air we breathe. As awareness of microplastics grows, so does the urgency to address this pollution. In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of microplastics, explore their environmental impact, and discuss solutions. Plus, we’ll dive into how companies like VerTerra are part of the solution by offering sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.