Biodegradable utensils—including biodegradable spoons—are an effective way to make your business more green. Instead of using plastic spoons—used once, then tossed into the land fill—biodegradable spoons can be thrown into a commercial composting site, biodegrading within 200 days or less. If your business keeps its own composting pile for landscaping purposes, you may also throw biodegradable spoons there, although they may take a little longer to biodegrade. Many better-quality biodegradable utensils are also reusable, adding to their efficiency and earth-friendliness.

When seeking biodegradable spoons information, look for a company offering quantities (large or small) that are best suited to your business needs. Seek products that are durable, withstanding at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than most foods are served. When you find a biodegradable spoons provider you like, also consider:

1. Whether or not the distributor offers quantity discounts on compostable spoons, which can help reduce costs and constant reordering,

2. Whether their biodegradable spoons list also includes other cutlery you'll need,

3. And whether their biodegradable spoons come in biodegradable packaging.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select a biodegradable spoons provider offering corn products

Corn-based biodegradable utensils are extremely popular because they are strong and heat-resistant. Look for products made with American corn, or assurances that Chinese-made products are created humanely.

I recommend: Eco-Products offers spoons made of U.S.-grown corn; tough as plastic utensils, they are ideal for hot foods up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. In a commercial composting environment, these utensils biodegrade in 100 days. Worldcentric.org sells corn-based cutlery that's good up to temperatures of 190 degrees Fahrenheit, and they're available in sets of 50, with special deals for orders over 20 units.

Find biodegradable spoons made from potatoes

Potato starch is also a commonly used ingredient in compostable spoons. Although they have a reputation as not being as durable as corn-made utensils, some potato-made spoons will last for years.

I recommend: Branch offers cutlery made of potato starch, suitable for hot foods up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Each piece biodegrades within 180 days, and sets are available in packs of 50 or packs of 50 settings. TheGreenOffice.com carries spoons and cutlery made of potato and other vegetable starches, including those with a reusable shelf life of five years.

Seek colorful utensils from a biodegradable spoons provider

For catering, office parties or other special events, dress up your compostable spoons by buying them in colors. Other than shades of white, black is most commonly found, but bright colors like red and blue are also available.

I recommend: If you want biodegradable spoons in colors other than pure white, check out BioSmart. They offers spoons in natural and black. PlumParty also offers biodegradable utensils in green, pink, blue and red. Click on "Eco-Friendly Supplies" at the top of the screen and scroll through the pages of products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When seeking compostable utensils through a biodegradable spoons directory or other source, be sure the product has biodegradable logos stamped onto its surface. Not only will this help ensure you're buying a truly biodegradable product, but your customers and employees will enjoy knowing you're running an eco-friendly business.