Are Compostable Utensils Better Than Plastic?

Why biodegradable utensils might not be as beneficial as expected

Plant-based, compostable or biodegradable bio-plastics, commonly used for utensils, are promoted as a more sustainable choice compared to single-use plastic. So, does compostable truly outperform plastic? Are they genuinely a superior alternative, or could they paradoxically be worse than conventional plastic?

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We had a discussion with Céline Jennison, founder of Plastic Tides, a nonprofit organization from Ithaca, NY, that merges adventure with science to combat plastic pollution through stand-up paddleboard expeditions. She highlighted why compostable or biodegradable products, while appearing to be a beneficial alternative, could be potentially more damaging than plastic. She also offered insights on her preferred alternatives and shared solutions that can be incorporated into everyday life.

What does it mean when packaging on a bio-plastic product claims to be biodegradable or compostable?

Essentially, it signifies that within a specialized industrial composting facility—which can break down bio-plastics into small particles and compost it under extremely high temperatures—the items will biodegrade or compost.

Are these products truly compostable for the average consumer?

No, in a typical home compost bin, they won't break down effectively. They require the regulated conditions of an industrial composting facility, where the heat generated from a large mass of compost creates the necessary environment for decomposition. Moreover, even when successfully composted, the resulting compost lacks quality. The so-called 'compostable' bio-plastics reduce to a sticky, resin-like residue, failing to produce the rich, nutrient-filled compost generated from genuinely organic materials.

In Ithaca, NY, where I pursued my undergraduate studies at Cornell University, compostable utensils are prohibited from entering the waste stream due to these outlined complications.

Is it true that most items labeled as biodegradable, degradable, compostable, etc., actually cannot be recycled?

That is correct. These items are non-recyclable as they don’t classify as plastic. If they are placed in recycling bins, they can disrupt the waste sorting process. Even when recycling plastic, items must be sorted by color. At recycling facilities, if non-recyclable items like compostable utensils are found, rather than spending time removing them, the entire lot is typically sent to the landfill. Thus, there is a significant negative effect on the recycling stream.

For instance, when a restaurant offers "compostable" utensils with take-out, the likelihood that customers will correctly dispose of them is quite low. Additionally, if served in-house and meant for industrial composting, extensive signage is necessary to guide users on the proper disposal methods, since any mistakes lead to contamination, causing entire batches of recycling to end up in landfills.

A student volunteer at the Floyd Fest music festival in Floyd, VA, manages compostable utensils by feeding them into a shredder, which reduces them to smaller sizes, allowing for quicker decomposition in the compost heap.

That certainly undermines the intent. Are there additional adverse effects apart from potentially increasing waste?

Indeed. Producing biodegradable or compostable cutlery or dishware consumes significant resources. The majority of these utensils are derived from corn, a crop that is resource-intensive to cultivate, generally grown in a monoculture environment. It requires planting, watering, and soil cultivation. The corn utilized for making bio-plastics is not organic and involves extensive use of pesticides, leading to the use of valuable agricultural land for an item that is disposed of almost immediately.

Furthermore, there are environmental costs tied to both the disposal of these products and the resources utilized to fabricate and transport them.

Ironically, these compostable utensils are often packaged in plastic film that is neither biodegradable nor recyclable. There are multiple costs associated with this choice, including the fact that compostable utensils are pricier than reusable alternatives, which can be washed and utilized multiple times.

So you’re indicating that these products might be among the least favorable options! Would you argue that recyclable plastic is a better choice?

This largely depends on the specific scenario and how either plastic or bio-plastic is disposed of. If you’re capable of recycling a plastic utensil, then environmentally speaking, it may represent a better choice than a compostable alternative, unless you're positive that the compostable item will be processed in an industrial facility.

But if a bio-plastic fork were to end up in the ocean, wouldn’t it eventually decompose, unlike plastic?

No, a bio-plastic fork would behave similarly to plastic, merely undergoing a reduction into smaller segments since it necessitates elevated temperatures to fully break down.

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What is the predominant misconception associated with bio-plastic utensils and other dinnerware like plates and cups?

The major concern is that it perpetuates the belief that we can maintain a disposable economy while having a sustainable approach. Recycling offers a similar illusion. Engaging in recycling can give individuals a false sense of fulfillment regarding environmental responsibility, whereas the true imperative is to diminish waste production at the outset.

What about large gatherings like concerts, sports festivities, weddings, or parties?

For events such as music festivals, alternatives to bio-plastics exist that are far more favorable. If you require disposable plates, bowls, or eco utensils, utilizing soft, rapidly renewable trees or bamboo—i.e., primary organic materials that can be truly composted—is a more advantageous selection.

You might also consider purchasing plates and bowls crafted from leaves or other organic materials. The advantage of these products is their visible compostability, making it clearer to guests how to dispose of them if composting is implemented at the event. For cups and plates, opting for unbleached cardboard without plastic or wax coatings, which are genuinely recyclable or compostable, is again a better choice. With a little research, you can uncover superior alternatives to misleading biodegradable products.

For significant gatherings like weddings or parties, you can establish a zero-waste event strategy by familiarizing yourself with various tips and tricks or hire a company that offers reusable cups and plates, delivering and collecting them post-event. If you are working with a catering service, confirm that they utilize authentic dishware and utensils!

What stands out as the most effective alternative?

Bringing your own! There are numerous excellent products available that facilitate carrying reusable items wherever you go.

What are some of your preferred reusable solutions?

My favorite is definitely ECOlunchbox! I particularly appreciate the Splash Box from the Blue Water Bento collection for transporting salads, as it accommodates more of my mixture. Their ECOstainless Spork is also fantastic for enjoying soup.

Klean Kanteen serves as my go-to water bottle, complemented with reusable steel or bamboo utensils, machine-washable lunch bags, canvas shopping totes, and I possess an insulated food container that has lasted for years alongside a stainless steel insulated mug.

What additional considerations should individuals weigh when attempting to minimize their impact and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle?

Several aspects contribute to a reusable, sustainable way of living. For example, I produce my own body care products and craft little bags tailored for produce and grocery items. At home, I employ Khala Cloths to wrap and preserve food in place of plastic wraps, bags, or even aluminum foil.

Any recommendations for someone transitioning to a more waste-free lifestyle?

It’s more manageable to concentrate on one aspect of your life or activity at a time. You could begin by exploring how to preserve food and leftovers within your home, integrating items such as canning jars and Khala Cloths into your kitchen. Alternatively, you might tackle single-use items for outings by adopting a reusable bottle instead of resorting to bottled water, along with bringing your reusable cutlery and a metal or glass straw. Starting with bringing your shopping bags is another step in the right direction; evolving your focus onto packaging practices and taking your own container to local markets and bulk stores will further enhance your efforts.

Two fundamental principles for zero waste living are (1) proactive planning and (2) the refusal of unnecessary goods. There’s no doubt that zero-waste practitioners invest considerable time in anticipating needs, especially when traveling. They have learned to decline items like plastic-wrapped candies, pointless giveaways at events, and the like.

I refer to this journey toward waste-free living as the Zero Waste Voyage; envision embarking on an expedition on a paddleboard with the limitation of a tiny jar to hold your trash. Consider what excess packaging you might eliminate from your life? (For women: single-use sanitary products? For men: disposable razors?) Recognize that this voyage doesn’t transform you into an expert overnight, but by progressing step by step and building upon successes over time, you can drastically reduce your waste, ultimately assembling a compact zero-waste travel kit. In many cases, this method may save you substantial amounts of money!

About Céline Jennison and Plastic Tides:

Céline is an enthusiastic water advocate, outdoor educator, and sustainability consultant. From the age of 12, she has taken to creating her own medicine and cosmetics, holding a BSc. in Plant Science from Cornell University and an MPhil from Oxford University focusing on Environmental Change and Management.

As an undergraduate, she co-established the nonprofit Plastic Tides, intertwining adventure with scientific approaches to address plastic pollution through stand-up paddleboard expeditions, education, and outreach. Céline serves as an inspiring public speaker, leveraging the experience of expeditions to motivate others to minimize waste in their daily activities.

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