A lot of sources out there are saying that re-usable dishes and eating utensils, and everything else, are better for the environment. Things like plastic forks and paper plates only use valuable resources and clog up landfills. The same goes for the disposable chopsticks that you get at all the Asian restaurants.
If you're into that kind of thing, here is something you can do. Introducing: re usable chopsticks! I know, I know, re-usable chopsticks are already readily available, but these are even more environmentally friendly. They are made from at least 35% recycled rice, by which I mean rice that would otherwise have been thrown out. The "rice-based biomass plastic" used to make these utensils produces 30% less carbon emissions than regular plastic, at least according to its maker, Index.
I have never really considered carrying around my own eating utensils, but it probably would be a good idea to start. I really don't eat out that often, and I tend to go to places that don't use plastic cutlery, anyway. If I could get a hold of these chopsticks, at least I could take them to Asian eateries. It would be a start, and they do say that every little bit helps.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-08-2008 @ 1:34PM
fuchsoid said...
You could always save up several thousand of them and make them into a kayak;
http://www.pinktentacle.com/2008/04/canoe-made-from-disposable-chopsticks/
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4-08-2008 @ 2:38PM
sj said...
I don't know if these would be "more environmentally friendly" since they still have plastic in them. Wouldn't the more friendly ones be the good old traditional ones made of wood or bamboo?
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4-08-2008 @ 2:41PM
Chris Furniss said...
So then you'd be that one crazy lady who brings her own chopsticks to a restaurant? Are you going to bring your own glass for your drink as well? Things aren't SO bad that we can't afford to have disposable chopsticks, which are made of wood. Correct me if I am wrong, but wood is a pretty good renewable resource.
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4-08-2008 @ 2:44PM
Panya said...
I bought a lunch set from reusablebags.com that includes a tiffin-style steel lunch box, and a set of bamboo utensils in a handmade pouch (fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks). [The box and utensils are also sold separately.] I carry the utensils with me in my bag when we go out to eat, or have a picnic -- very handy.
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4-08-2008 @ 8:28PM
Rita said...
I've had a set of washable re-usable chopsticks for a while now. They're my preferred eating utensil, regardless of the style of cuisine. A permanent side effect of living in Hawaii, I guess.
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4-10-2008 @ 5:27AM
CreamBunny said...
"re-usable" chopsticks?? don't you mean to say: "recycled" chopsticks...? and, if you were to walk into an Asian eatery with your own set of chopsticks, everyone would make fun of you (and have every right to) for acting really insane. that would just be too WEIRD!
Also: "A lot of sources out there are saying that re-usable dishes and eating utensils, and everything else, are better for the environment," is just about the most inane, axiomatic, stupidest statement I've ever, ever, EVER read in my entire life!!!
Do people actually pay you real money to "enlighten" us with observations as ridiculously stupid and unecessary to mention as this? Incredible!
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