HomeArticles5 Reasons to Use Edible Utensils You ordered take-out and the restaurant forgot to give you plastic utensils. Maybe that wasn’t so terrible, considering up to 20 million tonnes of plastic ends up in the oceans each year. Yes, you read that right - up to 20 million tonnes of plastic ends up in the oceans each year.1 Here are FIVE reasons you should consider switching to edible utensils:1. They’re eco-friendlyThey help limit plastic waste and are completely biodegradable. Plastic cutlery is usually made of polypropylene and polystyrene,2 which can take over 400 years to photodegrade.3 Producing just one pound of plastic cutlery can take up to 78 liters of water and release 2.5 lbs of CO2!4W-H-O-A. I know.Edible utensils, on the other hand, are made of safe-to-eat ingredients. For example, Bakey’s edible cutlery only use three ingredients: rice, wheat and sorghum (an ancient grain from Africa).5 When Bakey’s produces their sorghum, one pound of sorghum only uses 4.35 liters of water and releases 0.19 lbs of CO2!62. They’re functionalThey come in the shape of forks, spoons and chopsticks. They can last up to 18 months, and if you don’t finish eating it by the expiration date, just pour water on it or compost it - it degrades within 3 days.3. They’re deliciousThey come in three flavours: plain, sweet and savoury. But, they don’t overpower the taste of your food!4. And nutritiousThey contain fibre, iron, protein and calcium. Sorghum is also naturally high in micro nutrients. AND, if you’re celiac, they can be made totally gluten-free. And if you need the extra energy, they are about 34.86 calories per utensil. 5. They’re SOUP-er for your soupEdible spoons are the perfect addition to your soup. Unlike normal crackers or croutons, they won’t become soggy while you eat your soup.Other alternativesAn equally great alternative is to just bring around your own reusable utensils. Maybe next time pack and extra fork, knife, spoon, or pair of chopsticks in your lunch bag!What do you think of these edible utensils? Let us know below! References “Global Plastic Production Rises, Recycling Lags”. WorldWatch Institute. Accessed 13th November 2018. Pramod Parajuli (2011). A Life Cycle Analysis: A Plastic Fork. Here’s How Much Plastic Trash is Littering the Earth. National Geographic. Accessed 13th November 2018. Energy Savings. World Centric. Accessed 19th October 2018. Bakeys Edible Cutlery. Accessed October 19, 2018. Edible Cutlery: The Future of Eco Friendly Utensils. Accessed October 19, 2018 See MoreSee Less