Spudware: Biodegradable Cutlery :

Over the next few years more and more biodegradable food packaging will become available. A number of suppliers (in the US) have begun stocking "Spudware" - a range of cutlery made from 80% vegetable starch and 20% soy or other vegetable oils.

Spudware can be washed and re-used and is also heat-resistant. The price is not too bad either - a set of 50 knives, forks, and spoons can be ordered for $21 from Treecycle .

The same company ( Excellent Packaging and Design ) also make spudware plates and hot cup lids.

I can't be the only person who wonders how many takeaway coffee cups end up in landfill - with the petroleum-based plastic lids sitting there for who knows how long?

The Flip Side
Of course - like biofuels - we then shift our consumption from oil-based products to agricultural products. If the agricultural practices fail to maintain sustainable land-use principles - then we are going round in circles.

How much in the way of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are used to cultivate a crop grown for biodegradable packaging?

And what about our disposable culture? Once upon a time our eating habits never required the use of disposable containers.

However - since we are already knee-deep in throwaway plastic - these vegetable-based utensils are an excellent product.

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