Have you used any of the new compostable cutlery products now available?

Question

I'm hosting bunco tonight, and I'm sure most of the group isn't even aware this stuff exists! My source was a bit pricy, though.

Have you tried it, did it break down in your compost pile? Product labeling on the materials I bought and at the ecoproducts site mention biodegradability in commercial composting, not residential. Also, where did you purchase it?

http://www.ecoproducts.com/Business/food_services/tableware/cutlery/fs_cutlery_biodegradable_cutlery.htm

http://www.roadlesstraveledstore.com/shop/home.php?cat=264

Answer 1

Americans have become the "throw away society".  Landfills overflow with unnecessary trash.  In the end it will be paid for by increased dependence on oil, higher food prices as corn is turned to alcohol and burned in fuel guzzling SUV's, drinking water in plastic bottles that continue to require oil to produce, and I could go on to include the plastic grocery bags which are most difficult to dispose.  Except for informal parties, and cheap airlines, use of plastic knives, spoons and forks does indicate a lack of regard to the big environmental picture.

Answer 2

No i have never used it but i may use it one day now that i know it exists.

Answer 3

For that price I rather use metal and wash them after use.

A family of 4 could have a lot of dinners in the compost for the 6 months it takes for these to break down.

Answer 4

Too lazy to wash silverware?

Update:  Meow.  They make a product called Midol for your condition.

Answer 5

the bottom line on biodegradable cutlery is that it may be good for the environment in the way that it composts and is generally made of earth friendly material, but it still requires lots of energy (fossil fuel, electricity) to produce and ship. people need to be aware that just because the PRODUCT is earth friendly does  not mean that the shipping method is. trucks carrying your organic oranges from Florida to Maine in the winter are just as harsh on the environment as pesticides (so buy local as much as possible to cut down on this, also buy in season), with their emissions. it might be more Eco friendly if you just wash real silverware in Eco friendly dish soap. sure the dish soap still travels but it is used longer in your home and the bottle can generally be recycled.

Answer 6

Those products are excellent.  The problem is polystyrene needs to be banned. Because people like the fake Doctor would buy the cheep stuff.