Using disposable eating utensils are a great way to serve a meal on the go, cater a large affair or stock a school lunch room. Disposable utensils make clean up an easier task and does not have to be replaced when lost like expensive utensils or flatware.

Disposable eating utensils come in a variety of types and styles such as single use utensils, disposable wooden utensils and even fancy plastic eating utensils that can be used for special events. All of these are available in many different types of colors and materials. Some disposable eating utensils types and styles include:

1. disposable bamboo utensils that are considered "green" because they will biodegrade and help the environment;

2. recycled polypropylene plastic utensils that are made from recycled plastics. These pieces can be washed and reused over and over again and when finished, they can be recycled or disposed of;

3. compostable utensils which feel and look like plastic but are made from corn starch PLA resin.

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Make your event a stress free event by using disposable plastic utensils

So much planning goes into events such as parties or wedding receptions and not enough time is spent cleaning up afterwards. By using fancy plastic eating utensils, guests can easily throw away their plates and utensils when they are done eating, making clean up time minimal.

I recommend: For a wonderful selection of disposable fancy plates and utensils, platesandnapkins.com has holiday, theme and special occasion disposable eating supplies. Smartyhadaparty.com also has a huge selection of utensils and accessories that are both disposable and elegant for any occasion.

Use biodegradable disposable utensils and products to keep the environment 'green'

Utensils which are biodegradable, such as those made from bamboo, help to decrease landfills which destroy the balance of the environment. By using these items, there is a reduction in the environmental impact and you help maintain a more sustainable living situation.

I recommend: World Centric Biocompostables has items that provide eco-friendly choice alternatives to utensils by using biodegradable ones for everyday consumption needs. LetsGoGreen also has a big variety of biodegradable utensils that are compostable.

Buy plastic eating utensils and sets made for toddlers to minimize the germ factors

Disposable utensils are great for babies and toddlers. They are convenient, can be used multiple times if needed and when the child drops one, they can be disposed of and replaced at a very low cost. Most are available in fun shaped designs, come with matching plates and cups and are usually safe to put in the top rack of your dishwasher.

I recommend: Gerber makes ergonomically safe utensils for a toddlers hand grip. Tossables Disposables also makes utensils for age specific children, which have a silicone-tip that is soft enabling babies to learn how to eat with utensils without injuring their mouths or gums.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are going to use disposable serving utensils for an event, make sure you purchase ones that can be used for the temperature of the food you are serving to avoid melting or shape alterations due to elevated temperatures.

Disposable eating utensils are often the easiest and cheapest way of meeting your business's culinary needs. Whether you're stocking a break room or catering a grand affair, disposable utensils make set up faster, clean up easier, and eliminate worries about cleaning, keeping track of or replacing expensive flatware.

While disposable eating utensils do come in the plain white plastic we see in fast food restaurants, they're also available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials. A little thought about exactly what you need—and perhaps collecting opinions and estimates from valued employees or consultants—will help you find your way through the wide variety of options.

1. How many, and what kind, of disposable utensils do you need?

2. Are you willing to pay extra for stylish patterns and materials?

3. How are you going to dispose of your single use utensils?

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Estimate your need for disposable eating utensils

Whether you're using fancy plastic eating utensils or the plain white kind, having enough eating utensils available is vital. But buying too many also costs you money and complicates matters when it's time for disposal. You can cut down on waste by planning ahead.

I recommend: Consult with valued employees or experts to estimate how many guests you'll have, then add a few extras in case of lost, dropped or broken utensils. You can buy plastic eating utensils from Craft Hobby Wholesale, Inc., in bulk quantities beginning at just 12 each. ReStockIt offers a wide variety of disposable cutlery kits from light- to heavy-weight at discounted wholesale prices at quantities from 160 to 1000.

Stock up on fancy disposable eating supplies

Using fancy, distinctive patterns and materials is an easy way to make a lasting, favorable impression at your next catered event.

I recommend: Avoid seasonal patterns unless you're prepared to make use of or donate leftover utensils once the season has passed. Zuberts offers disposable plastic utensils in a wide variety of eye catching colors, while The Find offers a wide variety of disposable plastic utensils in silver to look more like traditional flatware.

Wrestle with your conscience when purchasing disposable eating products

Disposable bamboo utensils and single use eating utensils made from 'bioplastics' give you peace of mind when it comes to disposal; under the right conditions, they will biodegrade. Using these products is an easy way to make a clear value statement to your employees and guests. On a side note, many biodegradable utensils are edible, which leads a number of guests to chew on them just to test that fact.

I recommend: Bambu offers a full line of single use bamboo utensils called Veneerware. World Centric provides a full line of biodegradable "bioplastic" utensils made from corn starch.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most bioplastics require the high heat of commercial composting in order to fully degrade. In some cities, they are allowed into the green waste stream and will be commercially composted there, which makes disposal very easy for you.

There are many reasons food service businesses are turning to environmentally-friendly disposable utensils. Some customers prefer eco-friendly utensils. Some business owners simply feel it's the right thing to do. And while "green" disposable utensils are frequently more costly to purchase, they can cut your water usage and may even cut your garbage costs, since you can simply compost them at your facilities. However, the world of eco-friendly disposable utensils is still young, and new terms abound. It's important for you to know what you're buying, because unless you understand some key terms, you may end up wasting time and money.

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SpudWare

SpudWare is a brand name for disposable cutlery made from 80% potato starch and 20% soy oil. SpudWare biodegrades within 180 days, you can wash and reuse it, and it's becoming one of the top alternatives to traditional plastic cutlery.

I recommend: For more information on SpudWare, visit Telegraph Media, which explores the product line.

PSM, plastarch

PSM, or plastarch, is a material used to make some environmentally-friendly disposable cutlery.

I recommend: Get facts about PSM products from Vegware, offering information on its PSM products. It details how to best use its products.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable utensils are those that break down into the soil by natural means. Nearly any product does this if you give it long enough, but biodegradable products usually promise to do this within a relatively short amount of time, often within a year.

I recommend: For more information, go to Life Goggles, which reviews biodegradable plates made from potatoes.

Compostable

Compostable utensils are those that quickly break down into the soil. If you throw them in the trash, bury them in landscaping or place them in a composter, they'll disappear from the landfill within a year.

I recommend: The Compost Bin reminds its readers that paper plates, as well as other types of plates marked compostable, are great for compost bins.

Bamboo

Bamboo utensils and plates are another product touted as green. They are sturdy and break down within six months.

I recommend: Kim Vallee discusses the pros of using bamboo utensils and dining ware.

PLA, polylactide

PLA, otherwise known as polylactic acid or polylactide, is a fully biodegradable plastic made from corn, wheat, sugar beets and other starch-rich foods. It requires commercial composting to break down quickly.

I recommend: Ecoproducts explains the benefits for PLA utensils.

Most fast food restaurants, or eateries that offer a take out service, include disposable eating utensils with the meal when necessary. For example, if a customer orders a salad, then you should provide them with a package containing at least a fork and knife. Preordered to-go services for larger, sit-down restaurants have grown in popularity lately. Disposable eating products should also be included with these meals.

Additionally, businesses should consider providing disposable eating supplies in their employee break rooms. They are sometimes more convenient and saves someone from having to do dishes. As you consider the available options, it’s important that you also look at disposable eating utensils pricing and costs to make sure there is room in your expense budget. The following options are available:

1. Plastic eating utensils are the cheapest option.

2. You can reuse disposable bamboo utensils for a short time.

3. There are several environmentally friendly single-use eating utensils available.

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Purchase disposable plastic utensils in bulk for added savings

For large needs, such as restaurant supplies or break rooms for large corporations, plastic single-use utensils are more economical, especially when purchased in bulk. Typically, you have the option to purchase spoons, forks and knives individually or as a set.

I recommend: Order commercial quality disposable eating utensils from Uline Shipping Supplies. Boxes of 100 individual utensils are less than $6, while a bulk purchase of 1,000 is less than $50. They also offer 250 three-in-one packs for less than $80. If you’re looking for fancy plastic eating utensils, maybe to make available for weddings through a catering business, The WEBstaurant Store has several options that appear to be stainless steel in cases of 600 for less than $40 per case.

Consider disposable wooden utensils that last a little longer

If you want something disposable, but would like it to last through a few uses rather than just one use, then bamboo utensils may be a great option for you. They are good for the environment, look nice and can handle a couple of washings.

I recommend: To-Go Ware offers bamboo flatware sets that include chopsticks and come in a decorative travel case for less than $20. Purchase bamboo knives, forks and spoons individually from Wedge Worldwide in boxes of 50, 100 or 200 for $15-to-$60, depending on the size of your order.

Green your business with disposable utensils that are great for the environment

Biodegradable disposable utensils are now available for the business that intends to make every aspect of its company green. Manufacturers make these utensils from various plant starches (such as corn, potatoes and other vegetables) and they are just as reliable as plastic utensils.

I recommend: Purchase the utensils individually or as a set from Eco-Products for $5 to $60. The vegetable starch utensils offered by World Centric for $3 to $55 will become compost in a commercial facility in less than a year.