Some countries banned foam food packaging a few years ago, and it appears that others may soon follow suit. There are many reasons for the ban, but the main issue is that Styrofoam food containers do not break down and can be used indefinitely. Who knows if your city will be next, but one thing is for sure: every municipality is trying to address the issue of waste, recycling, and composting and to mitigate or reduce the waste problem.
The city has come up with an interesting solution: all residents put their trash in one bin and their yard waste in another. The containers are placed in a large sorting center the size of a building, where machines and people sort all the waste and about 70% is recycled or reused. Garden waste is composted and sold to consumers.
For compostability, there is a government standard, ASTM D6868, which defines the rate of decomposition in commercial composting facilities and is also certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). These documents are a good starting point for determining which items can be composted easily and successfully. This can be done on a small scale, by creating a compost pile or bin at home. Many items that you throw away every day can be placed in a compost pile and after a while, you will find that it contributes to the health of your garden.
Change your habits
If you change your habits and buy everyday items that are easily composted, you can also throw away your trash and use it as mulch for your flower beds. In this way, every consumer can easily contribute to solving a problem in their city. One of the items that can now be composted is cookware.
Even if a ban on Styrofoam food packaging is not a hot topic in your city, it is one of the many topics being discussed in city councils, regional parliaments, and district governments, and it is safe to say that by being proactive, you can help make this a solution, not a problem. Restaurants, grocery stores, school cafeterias, and other food outlets can also contribute to the problem by composting their waste, offering compostable dishes, and educating consumers about the benefits of composting. Find out what you can do to start composting in your city. Try also: Eco-friendly Disposable Lunch Boxes Supplier
Types of Plastic Food Containers
Have you always wanted to buy plastic food containers to keep your food fresh at home? If so, you definitely need to learn about the different types that exist.
There are two types of plastic containers: disposable and reusable. Disposables are used once and then thrown away.
You always have to buy them in order to use them, which makes this type more expensive for everyone. Many people prefer to use reusable plastic containers.
You only need to buy them once, which saves you money. They are also easy to wash and can be reused over and over again.
Another reason why it makes sense to use reusable utensils is that they are durable and long-lasting. They are designed to last a long time.
Most reusable containers are also microwave and dishwasher-safe. These are two advantages for people who lead busy lives today.
Another difference between the two types of containers is that disposable containers are bad for the environment. Some of them can be recycled, but not all.
Instead, they only add to environmental problems by continuing to be thrown away. Using reusable types does not help this problem. On the contrary, it only prevents one thing: more problems. For many people today, it is as important as storing food and keeping it fresh.
Another reason to use disposable containers is to reduce the freshness of food. Reusable plastic containers have tight-fitting lids.
This helps to keep food fresh longer. If you care about keeping your food fresh for as long as possible, the reusable version is definitely the better choice.
Finally, the difference between the two types of plastic containers is that your food storage needs also determine the type you use. If you store food every day, a reusable container is best.
If you only store food occasionally, disposable containers are more appropriate. Before you buy a container, you need to think about your food storage needs.
Now that you know the two types of plastic food containers, you need to decide which type you want to use. Just be smart and look at the different containers before you choose a final one.
Read also:
Why Should We Use Reusable Bags?