6 Sustainable Cutlery Brands: Plastic Free Alternatives For Everyone
- Sustainably Savvy
- Dec 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2024
Who doesn’t love the convenience of plastic cutlery that we can easily throw in the trash when we are done… or maybe we try to recycle it (which sadly, is not an option because of the type of plastic commonly used - it’s wish-cycling). The sad truth of the matter is that disposable plastic utensils are anything but convenient. It’s estimated that one fork could take over 200 years to fully break down, or even worse, if buried in a landfill, they could last forever! Breakdown of these plastics leach cadmium and other toxic elements into the soil and surrounding environment, while 100,000 marine animals die each year from plastic waste alone.
So with that said, what's the solution? While there is currently no simple fix, making as many changes to our habits to reduce our comsuption of plastic, particularly single use items, is a first step in the right direction. Today we explore some plastic free alternatives to reusable utensils, preferably from sustainable sources.
Switching away from single use plastic utensils to something more sustainable:
Reduces plastic waste
Conserves resources
Minimizes your carbon footprint
Saves money in the long run
Reduces the amount of toxins you are exposed to
Allows you to practice social responsibility
And the list goes on….
Keep reading for our top 6 sustainable brands that will help you lower your carbon footprint one meal at a time!
How Much?
Prices range between $10 - $40
What do they have?
Knork offers traditional metal flatware as well as and eco line that features reusable plant based cutlery, travel sets and partyware.
What is it made of?
Bamboo fiber and sugarcane composite; stainless steel for higher-end products.
Environmental and Social Responsibility:
Knork’s designs prioritize low-waste production and packaging with a focus on local sourcing and using sustainable materials. They also collaborate with environmental nonprofits to reduce plastic pollution.
How Much?
Prices range between $15- $35
What do they have?
Greenprint offers compostable plant-based forks, knives, spoons, and foodservice supplies.
What is it made of?
Corn-based PLA and renewable birch wood.
Environmental and Social Responsibility:
Greenprint works with sustainable suppliers using ethical labor practices. The company also focuses on zero-waste solutions and landfill diversions while giving back to the community by supporting tree-planting programs globally.
How Much?
Prices range between $8 - $25
What do they have?
Jungle Culture offers Reusable bamboo cutlery sets, often including chopsticks and travel cases. (And while this post is about cutlery, they offer a bunch of other items from safety razors to zero waste dishwashing sets!)
What is it made of?
Wood
Environmental and Social Responsibility:
Jungle culture creates sustainable goods sourced from handmade artisans and pay fair wages. They also use zero waste packaging to offset emissions and contribute to community-building initiatives in rural areas.
How Much?
Prices range between $12 - $20
What do they have?
To-Go Ware offers portable, reusable bamboo utensil sets, with travel cases. They also offer items like stackable stainless steel lunch boxes.
What is it made of?
Sustainably harvested bamboo.
Environmental and Social Responsibility:
To-Go Ware partners with certified ethical suppliers. They are also committed to zero-waste and promote reusability while supporting environmental education programs.
How Much?
Prices range between $10 - $30
What do they have?
iBambo offers bamboo cutlery sets, straws, and plates.
What is it made of?
100% Bamboo
Environmental and Social Responsibility:
iBambo prioritizes small-scale farming and ethical production. Their packaging and production are zero-waste.
How Much?
Prices range between $5 - $30
What do they have?
Repurpose Compostables offers compostable tableware, including cups, plates, bowls, cutlery, and straws
What is it made of?
Renewable plant-based materials like corn and other plant fibers.
Environmental and Social Responsibility:
Repurpose Compostables are committed to ethical sourcing and production methods. Their products are certified compostable and are said to break down in commercial composting facilities within 90 - 180 days.
The Takeaway
As always, here's a little reminder that it’s the small changes and everyday choices we make that add up to a big impact. Let’s favor progress over perfection! Making the swap from disposable, plastic cutlery to something more sustainable can have a huge impact over time.
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