We’ve probably all done it: bought a pack of disposable forks for a party or camping trip. After all, what difference will it make? It’s so much easier just to throw them away after they’ve been used.
Stop! Before you hit the ‘buy’ button take a moment to think about the environmental impact of your choice and whether you wouldn’t prefer more eco-friendly alternatives. Over recent years, thanks in part to campaigning and high-profile media coverage, many of us have been reassessing how we treat our world. Moving away from the use of plastic forks is one small step you can take to make a positive impact on your environment.
How much single-use plastic?
Each year, in the UK alone, it’s estimated that we throw away 295 billion pieces of plastic. Only a fraction of the items thrown away (roughly 30%) will be recycled and fewer still will be recycled in the UK. In the USA, it was recently estimated that they throw away 40 billion plastic utensils a year! No wonder plastic islands are forming in our seas.
The devastating impact of plastic forks
The environmental impact of single-use plastic forks is far reaching, from production to disposal. Plastic cutlery production involves the large-scale release of toxic emissions into the environment, which has long-term health implications not just for our planet but for ourselves.
It is estimated that more than half of the plastic used by takeaway outlets is thrown away, with no attempt at recycling. Evidence shows that plastic cutlery is also frequently left behind after camping activities.
The result is that more plastic cutlery is finding its way into our landscapes and oceans, devasting marine and land-based life. Water systems are becoming contaminated. Plastic is literally choking and killing small animals, clogging up their stomachs.
The potential knock-on costs for cleaning, landfill, and even tourism, can reach into the millions. After all, who wants to visit a littered landscape?
Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic forks
- Make sure you take your own cutlery with you if you’re going to be buying a takeaway. Just as you would now carry a reusable water bottle, remember to carry your own reusable cutlery.
- If you’re ordering a takeaway which you know is likely to come with plastic cutlery, tell them you don’t want it. It may take a while for the message to get through, but the more we repeat it, the more potent this act will become.
- There are eco-friendly disposable forks which are just as good, if not better than a plastic option. If you’re a restaurant owner or food outlet, research the alternatives. If you’re hosting a party or planning a camping trip think twice before buying plastic. Look for eco-friendly alternatives that are made from sustainable resources and manufactured in an ethical and responsible manner.
Eco-friendly disposable forks
Looking for eco-friendly alternatives and asking questions about the provenance of items cannot remain as an option. We must act today to protect our planet.
England has now banned plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds. Some say that’s not enough. Wales has gone further and will introduce a ban on plastic cutlery in 2021, with Scotland likely to follow soon.
At FOOGO Green this is something we’re really passionate about. We care about every stage of the process that goes into making our products. Our eco-friendly disposable forks are biodegradable, compostable, and manufactured by using sustainable methods.
All our forks, knives and spoons are made from high quality birch wood: a sturdy material which comes from sustainable sources. We do everything we can to ensure there is no plastic used in the product packaging.
You can recycle and reuse our disposable forks if you want. They are light and portable, so easily fit in a bag. Take them with you when heading to work – they’ll come in handy if you choose to eat out for lunch. When you’re ready to dispose of them, they can go straight into food waste or a home compost bin.
Making lifestyle changes may feel intimidating, but you can counter the sense of being overwhelmed if you break down your goal and make one small change at a time. With this approach, you can start today: say no to plastic and be part of the change that will save our planet.
Looking for more tips on how you can become a more environmentally-friendly consumer? Take a look at our blog for other ideas on how biodegradable tableware in everyday situations can make a difference.