Did you know that having biodegradable silverware can be really beneficial for you and the environment?
Biodegradable products are items which can break down and return to nature. This process takes place due to microorganisms which contribute to the degradation.
These products take less time to decompose than regular items (e.g. plastic cutlery and tableware) and they may have fewer harmful effects on the environment.
Silverware is an essential part of your household items. Choosing the best products is something that will help you serve the most beautiful dinners.
It’s like picking the right disposable plates. Compostable paper plates are one good option.
Using biodegradable silverware can have some great benefits for you and the environment.
Benefits of using biodegradable silverware
They are eco-friendly
Just as their name says it, these products are biodegradable.
Comparing them to conventional items, you can observe some great differences. Let’s take plastic as an example.
Plastic cutlery (forks, spoons, knives) take tens of years to decompose. Most of these products are also disposable, which means they are used once and then are thrown away.
Great numbers of such products are put in the garbage every day.
They eventually end up in landfills where they will remain for long periods of time.
During this time, they may also release dangerous chemicals in the soil, air, and water.
Biodegradable silverware decomposes faster than plastic and may be less dangerous than it.
Make sure you check the product package to see if the products are really biodegradable.
If you’re interested in this topic, you may also want to check best biodegradable trash bags.
You can choose from different types of silverware
Biodegradable silverware can be made of different materials.
If you do a quick search, you will find they are made of bamboo, wood, or plastic.
Of course, there’s also the ‘traditional’ silverware, made of silver. I’ll get to that part a bit later.
The idea is you can find products suitable for your needs. If you just want some biodegradable silverware (no matter the material), there’s no problem in finding a good product.
Maybe you don’t want to buy plastic products at all. Wooden or bamboo products have a more stylish look and can be used for different occasions such as parties at your home.
They can make great options, just like wooden disposable utensils.
What you need to know about eco-friendly silverware
The meaning of silverware
Silverware refers to tableware, cutlery, and household items. This includes different dishes, spoons, knives, and forks.
You may find that silverware also refers to items (the ones I’ve just mentioned) made of Britannia silver, Sheffield plate silver, and sterling silver.
This can represent a more fancy option, meaning it may be a little expensive. If you want to have a more special silverware, these products may represent an amazing option.
Bacteria can hardly grow on this metal, making it a safe option for your health.
Keep in mind that tableware and cutlery made of silver require a great amount of care.
It needs to be hand polished. Putting it in the dishwasher may lead to the silver being eroded.
What’s the best material for eco-friendly silverware?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, silverware can be made of different materials.
I’ll take each of them and present them a little.
Plastic
Plastic is one of the most toxic materials for the environment.
It affects nature when it starts being produced.
Plastic production requires petroleum or natural gas, two non-renewable resources. Its manufacturing leads to the release of toxic fumes in the air, which contribute to pollution.
Wood
Wood is a more eco-friendly option than plastic.
The wood used to make these products usually comes from special farms where trees are grown for this purpose.
If you’re interested in this topic, you may also want to check best wood for cutting board.
Bamboo
Bamboo is probably one of the most eco-friendly materials. This is a type of grass which grows up to 100 cm in approximately 24 hours.
It does not require too much care and it can be used to make a wide variety of products.
If you’re looking for going on the eco-friendly, choosing either bamboo or wood instead of plastic is a great action.