The San Diego based California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) reports on its experience in using 100% compostable food service ware for their events and workshops.

The 100% compostable food service ware products that are used by CCSE are made from vegetable-based ingredients, which contain zero or negligible amounts of petrochemicals. When used in a proper composting environment, these compostable materials break down into carbon dioxide, water and natural minerals.

Currently, at CCSE we use compostable cups, cutlery, plates and napkins. The two best reviewed products are the paper plates and napkins. The brown, unbleached napkins are 100% compostable, and low maintenance; We’ve been able to toss them in our composting bin and let them breakdown. The unbleached plates are as useful as any non-biodegradable variety and, when cut into small pieces, compost easily.

Our challenge has been the cutlery and cups. The cutlery, which is made from vegetable plant starch, is completely compostable, but due to the fact that it needs to be in a commercial composting environment to effectively breakdown, it doesn’t do well in the average composting bin. Another problem with the cutlery is the fact that, if heated, it actually becomes very flimsy and is difficult to use.

CCSE has tried several kinds of compostable cups in the ERC. The first type we tried was biodegradable sugar cane hot cups. These cups, which are made from sugar cane fiber, are either natural/unbleached or bleached with hydrogen peroxide. The sugar cane cups don’t have any sealant or coating, so that they are fully biodegradable and compostable. These cups worked so well, that when a hot liquid was introduced, they actually started biodegrading in our hands! Since these cups were somewhat flimsy, people had to use two cups instead of one to prevent the hot liquid from escaping or burning their hands. After we saw that this was counterproductive, we decided to move on to another set of hot cups. These hot cups are made from corn plastic and are also compostable. These cups have given us a better result and the general public has been more accepting of them;. They also feature a graphic design, which makes this brand more attractive.

As for cold cups, we’ve only used one type of cup, which is a clean cup made from corn and is 100% compostable. These cups work great, but like the cutlery, only really break down under commercial composting environments. We’re looking to experiment with cups that are made from recycled material and are recyclable.

This is a continuing effort and we are always searching for new products to utilize. We are on a quest to find products that are more compostable in the residential environment. We also sincerely hope this article will inspire you to do your own research and try out new recycled and compostable products.

There is a comprehensive line of green products out there and both CCSE and Plan It Green encourage you to let us know what has worked for you.

Send us your comments at info@2planitgreen.com.