Have you noticed “eco-friendly utensils” while scanning the latest trendy items online?
Or maybe at work, you see that one coworker boasting their flashy reusable utensils in the break room.
Now, I’m sure you know the environment suffers thanks to single-use plastic. But how much?
Well, look at these numbers.
People use over 100 million plastic utensils daily.
This adds up to 35-40 billion extra single-use utensils invading waterways and landfills at the year’s end…
In the US alone. Let that sink in.
This plastic cutlery wreaks havoc on the environment, wildlife, and even your health.
More on plastic’s impact later.
So in this post, we’re going to shed light on the plastic utensil predicament. Then, show you the best eco-friendly utensils for travel and big parties. (Both reusable utensils and disposable).
Sustainable cutlery means less exposure to unhealthy plastic chemicals and less pollution. Thus, helping to preserve the wildlife and environment – and even save a few bucks!
So let’s dive in!
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What is the environmental impact of plastic cutlery?
Remember those 40 billion utensils per year?
When these utensils end up in the sea, wildlife cannot tell the difference between food and plastic.
As a result, countless dead fish wash up with plastic-filled bellies. When fish eat the plastic, it leads to suffocation or digestive blockages.
And that’s not the only problem…
Plastic sitting in landfills will take a thousand years to break down.
Then, the immortal plastic seeps chemicals into the ground, then the water supply.
Also, off-gasses invade the air you breathe. This aggravates asthma and impacts global warming.
That leads to the next section…
How plastic utensil pollution can impact your health
Single-use plastic cutlery pollution seeps into the environment, then into you. Thanks to plastic chemicals, you can experience a slew of health effects.
When you consume seafood or groundwater, for example, there’s a good chance you ingest microplastics.
In fact, the average person eats 50,000 plastic particles a year (at least) and breathes in a similar amount.
According to the World Wildlife Find and Reuters Graphics:
Every week, you eat enough shredded plastic to fill a soup spoon. Every month, enough to half-fill a rice bowl. Every six months, enough to fill a cereal bowl. In your lifetime? The equivalent of two recycling bins.
Shocking, right?
In fact, a 2003-2004 study by the CDC found detectable BPA levels in 93% of 2517 urine samples from people six years and older.
And those hormone-disrupting chemicals (BPA/BPS/etc.) can induce heart and developmental issues, to name a couple.
Another way toxins enter your body? Heat.
Hot food on a plastic plate may cause BPA to seep into your meal. Also, this article from Today.com explains the danger of bottled water in hot cars.
Here’s a simple explanation from their article:
“It’s kind of like when you put mint leaves in your tea. The heat extracts the mint-tasting molecules and it happens faster in hot tea than it does in cold tea.”
The same goes for all plastic. Heat infuses the food or drinks with plastic chemicals.
But luckily, you can make an easy swap to eco-friendly utensils – without losing plastic’s convenience.
So now, let’s explore those better options you can use instead. Some of these you already own!
Better alternatives to plastic cutlery
Instead of using harmful plastics, consider these two eco-friendly utensil options.
First, reusable utensils. And second, eco-friendly disposable silverware (compostable and biodegradable utensils).
Let’s take a glance at each…
Reusable utensil sets
Reusable silverware sets appear in three primary materials… Natural wood, bamboo, and stainless steel.
These non-toxic materials can serve you for years, saving you cash and keeping you healthy.
Here’s some other benefits of reusable utensils:
- You personally stop thousands of plastic single-use utensils from entering the environment! The wildlife thanks you.
- The absence of plastic in stainless steel or bamboo makes them a much healthier alternative. No chemical leaching!
- You can recycle stainless steel utensils without losing quality. This means companies don’t need to manufacture as much new material – reducing pollution.
- Wood and bamboo biodegrade in landfills, leaving no trace at the end of their useful life.
- Provides you a sense of accountability while helping the environment.
- Sanitary. Avoid touching unnecessary surfaces like the community plastic fork drawer at work.
Good stuff, huh?
Next up, we’ll discuss the best eco-friendly disposable cutlery. This includes compostable utensils and biodegradable cutlery.
And the difference between the two…
Eco-friendly disposable silverware
Need disposables for your home, office, or party but still want to use eco-friendly utensils? Bioplastics may be your saving grace.
Manufacturers use natural materials like cornstarch, potato starch, or other organic material to make bioplastic.
Here’s the difference between the two types of bioplastics: Compostable and biodegradable.
Compostable utensils aren’t meant to break down in landfills. Instead, you must send them to your local compost center.
These facilities ensure proper conditions. For example, the correct water content, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and microorganism levels.
Once an eco-friendly utensil set becomes compost, it’s a valuable resource for plant life.
So, this means compostable cutlery helps the environment rather than hurt it!
Another benefit – compostables need less energy and water to produce than standard plastic.
Next up, biodegradable utensils:
Eco-friendly cutlery known as “biodegradable” mirrors compostable. But, with one key difference.
Instead of the warm, controlled environment, compostable utensils need to degrade…
Biodegradable cutlery decays in the regular trash. So, if you don’t have a compost bin, choose biodegradable.
Like compostable, manufacturers use natural materials like corn oil/ corn starch, orange peels, and plants for these plastic-free utensils.
So now, we’re going to explore each category of eco-friendly utensils in detail and show you our top picks!
Top 5 Reusable Utensil Sets
Reusable eco-friendly kitchen utensils are by far my favorite option.
As you saw, reusables come in natural materials like wood/ bamboo and stainless steel.
All three make perfect cutlery options due to their safety and durability. You’ll discover each below.
But, stainless steel makes the best eco-friendly travel cutlery – thanks to durability.
Keep this in mind…
If you see painted utensils, confirm the paint is food-safe. Be cautious of lead or other toxic metals used in coloring.
So for the sake of this post, you’ll find non-painted eco-friendly kitchen utensil options.
These are not only the best reusable travel utensils – but safest too!
So, let’s browse stainless steel first!
Stainless Steel Utensils
#1
This practical, 3-piece stainless steel utensil set fits perfectly for work and travel.
Each set includes a heavy-duty 403-grade stainless steel fork, knife, and spoon. All finished with stunning natural wood handles!
The serrated knife glides through meat easy yet butters bread without destruction.
This food-safe stainless steel offers corrosion resistance (rust-proof), making them ideal for foods.
Plus, there’s no plastic in this utensil set, so you can feel good about keeping toxins out of your lunch!
Each 3-piece set also includes a rugged carrying case for easy transport. This way you don’t lose your cutlery!
Keep in mind; the wooden handles aren’t dishwasher-safe. Hand-wash these to prevent the wood from degrading.
Drawbacks: Some complaints about the case breaking or wearing out quickly, so be gentle when opening and closing.
Click here to grab these surprisingly affordable stainless steel kitchen utensils on Amazon.
Looking to buy elsewhere? Here’s a comparable set on Etsy, except they are dishwasher-safe.
#2
The next stainless steel set comes from Topbooc. Notice the word “deluxe.”
This set of eco-friendly utensils has your standard fork, knife, and spoon, of course. But also two stainless steel straws, straw cleaning brush, and even chopsticks!
It’s one thing to use standard reusable utensils. But with this set, you can avoid plastic straws and even gain some cool chopsticks! Use them for Chinese food or stirring coffee.
These are 304-grade stainless steel like the previous option.
304-grade steel utensils eliminate rust and corrosion. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe, so you’ll save scrub time after work!
These utensils are paint-free, but if you want color, Topbooc has six styles to choose from!
Lastly, each set includes an oxford fabric carrying case with a waterproof interior. This way, your utensils don’t vanish into the depths of your bag.
And Topbooc guarantees their quality with a lifetime warranty.
Drawbacks: The primary downfall of this set is the colored versions (available in ten colors). After a relatively short period, the color begins to fade or scratch. That’s why I recommend the pure stainless set (pictured).
Looking to buy elsewhere? Grab an identical set here on Etsy.
Side note:
Before you get to the bamboo utensil options below, keep this in mind… Eco-friendly kitchen utensils are probably sitting in your drawer already!
Don’t feel obligated to buy a set of stainless steel travel utensils when you already have some at home. You can easily toss silverware in with your lunch before work!
Now, if you do not own this cutlery already or you’re interested in these options regardless, grab a travel set.
But if you’re going to use silverware from home, consider a utensil travel case.
#3
With this portable drinking straw set, there’s no excuse not to refuse those pesky plastics at the restaurant.
Now, the reusable straws in the set above work great, but you need a bag to carry the case. With this straw, you can travel light yet still cut down on plastic.
Clip one of these straws to your keychain, backpack, or purse and bring it with you. Take to restaurants, the beach, on airplanes, etc.!
Here’s how this straw works: You flip open the case (spring-loaded hinge) and grab the two straw halves. Then, twist the halves together and pull to extend each fully… You’re ready to sip!
This design is beneficial over those foldable travel straws. Those feel a bit odd to handle due to the shaky retractable sections.
Plus, these rigid straws don’t have silicone hinges that tear like the retractable kinds. Plus, you get a compact straw cleaning brush too.
Drawbacks: While this design has its pros, some customers dislike the connecting mechanism. They feel the straw halves may compress by themselves while sipping. The FinalStraw is a better pick if you’re worried about that.
Score this travel straw 2-pack for only a few bucks here on Amazon. (You can gift the second set!)
Looking to buy elsewhere? For another great travel straw, shop FinalStraw on Earthhero – it’s considered one the best.
Wood and Bamboo Utensils
#4
Luxano uses organic bamboo to shape this eco-friendly utensil set.
It’s just like the second steel option above – a deluxe travel set!
Bamboo makes excellent reusable eco-friendly kitchen utensils for a few reasons…
Here are a few benefits of bamboo utensils:
- Bamboo is all-natural and antimicrobial (safe to use).
- Bamboo weighs little and feels comfortable to hold, especially if you have arthritis.
- Bamboo has the strength and durability to last. It is even used in making sturdy cutting boards.
- Bamboo cutlery biodegrades and doesn’t hurt the environment.
- Bamboo flatware resists stains and odors.
- Bamboo feels smooth to the touch and looks pleasant to the eye.
Thanks to how fast bamboo regrows, it’s more sustainable than wood (trees). Plus, Luxano used minimalistic packaging!
Each set includes a fork, knife, and spoon (7”). Plus, a bamboo straw, cleaning brush, chopsticks, and even a bonus toothbrush (8.5”)!
This set gives you extra versatility and helps to ditch extra single-use plastic. Think straws and coffee stirrers.
Finally, you can roll up your bamboo utensils in the included compact pouch – stitched from organic cotton. Great to keep your cutlery secure during transit.
And speaking of travel, if TSA ever confiscates this set, Luxano replaces your eco-friendly utensils for free!
Like the previous example, you should hand-wash this cutlery to preserve its condition.
Drawbacks: The spoon is a bit flat, which is fine for yogurt and ice cream but might be annoying with soup.
Click here to score this deluxe bamboo utensil travel set on Amazon.
Looking to buy elsewhere? Grab Luxano’s reusable utensil set here on Etsy.
#5
These are the best reusable travel utensils I have found. Jungle Culture’s craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethics are out of this world.
An expert craftsperson in Southern Vietnam upcycles ebony wood furniture scraps and handcrafts this travel utensil set – instead of machines in a Chinese factory.
You’ll score a handmade fork, spoon, knife, and bamboo straw. Plus, unlike most sets, a coconut fiber-bristled staw cleaner – instead of nylon.
So, the bristles will biodegrade in a landfill, just like the rest of the set.
Also, you’ll notice how well-balanced and comfortable to hold each piece is. Plus, kid-friendly!
The fork tips have slightly rounded edges to prevent pokes, and the knife’s unique serrated edge is tough on food yet easy on the skin.
A finger groove sits in the knife’s handle for added comfort and grip, too.
For storage, the utensils come wrapped in an organic, hand-sewn cotton bag – made by seamstresses in the historic Hoi An, Vietnam.
When you head out for the day, slip your cutlery into the pouch, fold it over, button it closed, and chuck it in your bag without concern. Everything stays put.
Best of all, Jungle Culture is a 1% for the Planet member. 1% of your purchase automatically goes straight to charities and non-profits who focus on restoring the environment.
Browse Jungle Culture’s handmade, eco-friendly silverware on their website here.
Looking to buy elsewhere? Shop Jungle Culture on Etsy here.
Eco-friendly Disposable Silverware
For the office breakroom and huge parties, reusable cutlery becomes a hassle. Plus it’s unsanitary.
At this point, we usually resort to jumbo packs of plastic disposable utensils. But, with all-natural, single-use degradable utensils, you avoid pollution altogether.
We mentioned biodegradable, single-use utensils earlier. All come from natural, renewable plant sources that break down in the environment.
This section focuses on quick-degrading plastic-free utensils for single-use. Like parties, BBQs, work break rooms, etc.
Think about it… Would you buy hundreds of the previous eco-friendly utensils and toss them away after one use?
No way! That’s expensive and silly.
The options below degrade right in your regular trash bin. No need for compost heaps or special facilities.
Biodegradable Utensils for Easy Eco-Conscious Parties
#6
This all-natural bamboo disposable cutlery set from Ibamboo degrades right in your trash!
Each 100-piece set includes 50 forks, 25 knives, and 25 eco-friendly wooden spoons. All are sturdy enough for meat. Perfect for your next backyard barbecue or holiday dinner!
Each precision-crafted piece of cutlery will not splinter or leave a “wood” taste in your mouth.
Ibamboo sources its product ethically, so you can feel good about using sustainable goods.
Instead of throwing away tens or even hundreds of plastic utensils per event, grab these! These are not only some of the most eco-friendly utensils available, but the easiest to dispose of after a party, too.
Drawbacks: The only drawback I found is the texture. It’s not as smooth as plastic, which may take a bit of adjustment. It feels similar to those wooden spoons you’d eat ice cream with as a kid.
Click here to grab this 100-piece set from Ibamboo on Amazon.
Looking to buy elsewhere? Get Ibamboo’s set here on Etsy.
#7
Go Go Green crafts this 300-piece set of single-use utensils from birchwood! When you need convenience, these fit the bill.
Manufacturers often use birchwood for hardwood flooring. So, using it for cutlery ensures higher performance than plastic, thanks to birchwood’s durability.
Plus, they’re fully biodegradable… Simply chuck them in a standard trash bin without concern.
You get to enjoy plastic’s convenience, without its negative environmental impacts. A double win!
Each eco-friendly utensil set includes 120 forks, 90 knives, and 90 spoons – plenty for large gatherings. Plus, there’s even plastic-free packaging—
Use for large parties, BBQs, camping, packed lunches, the break room, and anything else.
Best of all, Go Go Green promises your satisfaction, or they’ll send you a refund anytime.
Drawbacks: Same as above with the texture, but you can expect this using wood. Just don’t expect the same feel as plastic.
Grab a bundle of biodegradable birchwood utensils on Amazon.
Looking to buy elsewhere? Check out this set from the Florida-based WoodAble Store on Etsy.
(Compostable) Eco-friendly Utensil Sets to help the Planet
Compostable, eco-friendly utensil sets help you benefit the planet while reducing pollution. And without sacrificing convenience!
We know biodegradable utensils degrade in landfills. You can toss them in your regular trash.
But compostable utensils need to go to your local composting center.
Extra work, yes…
But compostable utensils help you make a positive impact without extra effort. Unlike plastic, you can feel good about tossing these in the trash.
And even without a compost center, compostables break down faster than petro-plastics. Although slower than a “biodegradable” utensil.
Also, take note, you can compost the biodegradable utensils above too.
Pick one of the compostable, eco-friendly utensil sets below for your next big event!
#8
This 300-piece compostable utensil set comes from the brand “Compostables.” I wonder how they came up with that name…
You get 100 forks, 100 spoons, and 100 knives. Plus, a recyclable storage tray with compartments to keep organized.
Each utensil has “100% Compostable” engraved on the sides. So, everyone at the office knows to chuck these into the compost bin.
Compostables uses corn starch CPLA, a renewable plant-based material. It has a good heat resistance and high durability, so no melting or cracking.
This material feels like plastic cutlery (nice and sturdy), so it’s easy to swap. Plus, CPLA feels smoother than wooden textures.
Once you finish your lunch, toss your cutlery in the compost bin and send it off to your local facility.
Drawbacks: Not backyard-compostable, so you’ll have to send this flatware to an industrial composting facility. For a backyard-compostable, biodegradable set, pick Go Go Green above.
Click here to check out this 300-piece set of compostable utensils from Compostables!
#9
Stack Man’s eco-friendly utensil set includes 180 forks, 120 spoons, and 60 knives – wrapped in plastic-free packaging…
A thoughtful assortment, considering forks often get used up first, yet knives sit leftover!
Stack Man also uses CLPA, a renewable plant-based material heat-resistant up to 212℉. Plus, firm enough to cut meat.
And Stack Man’s utensils come in a rustic (food-safe) earth color— Adding an eco-friendly vibe to your table!
Drawbacks: Like above, these aren’t backyard-compostable either. Pick Go Go Green above if you plan to chuck your disposables in the trash can. They’ll break down anywhere.
Conclusion
I hope this post aids your journey of choosing quality eco-friendly utensils for your home, work, or any other need!
First, you discovered the best reusable cutlery sets. Then, some biodegradable and compostable, eco-friendly cutlery sets.
Make a wise investment in your physical health and the planet’s longevity with any above options!
If you have any questions, contact us, or drop a comment below. We’ll get right back to you!
Hi there! I'm Adam, author and founder of TGL. Since 2016, I've produced and sold non-toxic kitchenware throughout the US. Today, I'm using my passion and experience in sustainable product manufacturing to help families avoid unsafe reusable foodware. When I'm not writing, you'll find me hiking or camping throughout Appalachia!
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