You ordered take-out, and the restaurant forgot to give you plastic utensils. Maybe that wasn't so terrible, considering up to 20 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans each year.
Yes, you read that right - up to 20 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans each year.1 Here are FIVE reasons you should consider switching to edible utensils:
1. They’re eco-friendly
They help limit plastic waste and are completely biodegradable. Plastic cutlery is usually made of polypropylene and polystyrene,2 which can take over 400 years to photodegrade.3 Producing just one pound of plastic cutlery can take up to 78 litres of water and release 2.5 lbs of CO2!4
W-H-O-A. I know.
Edible utensils, on the other hand, are made of safe-to-eat ingredients. For example, Bakey’s edible cutlery only uses three ingredients: rice, wheat and sorghum (an ancient grain from Africa).5 When Bakey’s produces their sorghum, one pound of sorghum only uses 4.35 litres of water and releases 0.19 lbs of CO2!6
2. They’re functional
They come in the shape of forks, spoons and chopsticks. They can last up to 18 months, and if you don’t finish eating it by the expiration date, just pour water on it or compost it - it degrades within 3 days.
3. They’re delicious
They come in three flavours: plain, sweet and savoury. But they don’t overpower the taste of your food!
4. And nutritious
They contain fibre, iron, protein and calcium. Sorghum is also naturally high in micronutrients. And, if you’re celiac, they can be made totally gluten-free. And if you need the extra energy, they are about 34.86 calories per utensil.
5. They’re SOUP-er for your soup
Edible spoons are the perfect addition to your soup. Unlike normal crackers or croutons, they won’t become soggy while you eat your soup.
Other alternatives
An equally great alternative is to just bring around your own reusable utensils. Maybe next time pack and extra fork, knife, spoon, or pair of chopsticks in your lunch bag!
