Edible Cutlery: A Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Cutlery for a Better Future

Naseem Zahra, Ali Imran, Muhammad Khalid Saeed, Kiran Arif, Quratulain Syed, Syed Hussain Imam Abidi

Abstract

Edible cutlery is an excellent concept to reduce the use of plastic cutlery and to save human health from the harmful effects of plastic utensils. Surveys revealed that only a negligible portion of the total plastic waste is recycled. The rest is added to the environment and contribute to pollution. Each year tonnes of plastic cutleries are dumped in the oceans and other water bodies which is affecting the life in water. Humans eat food in plastic utensils and pollute environment by burning too. The unsafe high levels of the plastic waste are not good for both environment and living organisms, either humans or animals. To cut down the usage of plastic products to the safe levels, some safe alternatives are needed. Edible cutlery can serve as a sustainable alternative to the plastic cutlery because it’s biodegradable and edible.  Edible cutlery is made of safe-to-eat ingredients like wheat, rice and sorghum. Edible cutlery may be vegan-friendly with natural spices and flavors. It requires no additives or preservatives. Environmental pollution in Pakistan can be controlled significantly by promoting the use of edible cutlery like the other countries. Edible cutlery is the best solution to spread awareness regarding environmental issues due to plastic use. This review entailed the benefits of edible cutlery usage for the betterment of human health