Sustainable Living – Ditching Plastic Utensils

Today I am here to talk about one of the most wasteful of all one-use plastics… plastic utensils. I totally get that there are times where having throw-away utensils seems so helpful. No one is about to pack up their silverware drawer and head to the park for a kid birthday party. If you like to camp and disconnect a little, you likely don’t have access to running water or a way to sanitize utensils. However, plastic silverware are washing up on beaches around the world and are an item we need to lay off heavily in order to preserve our planet.

If you feel you are unable to quit using one-use plastics entirely, please at least make an effort to reduce your use of them. It is easier than you think, and just a little effort goes a long way.

My first suggestion to help cut down on plastic utensil use would be to grab a set of bamboo travel-friendly utensils for every member of your family. I keep a set of these in my desk as does my husband for our work lunches. I also have one set per family member packed in our camping set that we can use when we decide to go rough-it a little bit. They are so handy and easily hand-washed for your next use.Bamboo Travel Utensils – To-Go Ware Utensil Set with Carrying Case (Avocado) (705105479308)

However, I know this does not solve the mass need for throw-away utensils for large gatherings. In the case of a family reunion, office party, or other large get-together, instead stock up on these bamboo compostable/biodegradable disposable utensils. These obviously aren’t as ideal since they are still getting tossed out, however, they are SO MUCH better than plastic utensils that take 450 YEARS to decompose!! Bamboo can be broken down in less than a year if properly composted.

Disposable Wooden Cutlery set by Bamboodlers | 100% All-Natural, Eco-Friendly, Biodegradable, and Compostable – Because Earth is Awesome! Pack of 200-6.5” utensils (100 forks, 50 spoons, 50 knives)

There is one last piece of the puzzle that goes along with all this. That is remembering to say “no thank you” to plastic utensils when the opportunity to use them comes your way. Every time I call in an order for some Chinese takeout I make sure to let the person know on the line that we do not need utensils. How about at the drive through window when ordering a quick lunch? Make sure you tell them over the speaker to hang on to their utensils since you have your own. This way you don’t end up discarding a set anyways when you have your own eco-friendly ones to use.

Do you have any other tips/tricks that have helped your family cut down on plastic utensil use? I would love to hear!

X.O. Abbey Co.

*Disclaimer* I am an Amazon affiliate and get a tiny kickback if you purchase anything from my links… I only share things that I use and love, and it is just a small avenue for me to earn money to support my blog as I go.