What is the carbon footprint of corn or potato starch utensils?

Question

Specifically, is the production, manufacture and transportation process for corn starch utensils actually better for the environment than traditional plastic production? What is the comparison of the carbon footprints of the entire process? If corn starch utensils are biodegradable but they use more carbon to produce, is that really a better choice?

Answer 1

It is always a great idea to turn potential foodstuffs into silly things like utensils, carpet, ethanol(bio-fuels),  etc. That way while food prices soar we can all feel better about ourselves while we watch food riots on the news. Boy, this saving the planet stuff sure is fun!

Answer 2

it kinda depends i suppose.

americans use a lot of plastic utensils and styrofoam plates, etc.

things made from corn/other biodegradable materials are better for the enviornment because they can biodegrade

more carbon produced is negative, but i say that its better than plastic