Going Event Green - Part Two

Here is a list of products for a Zero-Waste Event:

A zero-waste event should only include disposable products that can either be recycled or composted. Choose disposables created from rapidly renewing resources like corn, sugarcane or potatoes, rather than using petroleum-based plastic or paper products made from trees.

Cups – PLA corn-based alternative to plastic: As opposed to “regular” plastics that are made from petroleum, these products are made from an annually renewable resource –corn. Cold cups are entirely made from PLA whereas hot cups are paper lined with PLA. PLA will fully compost in 45-60 days.*

Plates – Bagasse, sugarcane-based alternative to tree paper: Sugarcane takes only one year to reach maturity, as opposed to trees which can take up to 30 years. The raw stalk pulp is used after the “cane sugar” is extracted, thereby reusing an already “used” resource. Previously, the excess crushed stalks were burned or discarded. Sugarcane will also compost in as little as 45 days.*

Cutlery – vegetable starch-based alternative to high-heat plastic: To make this cutlery, vegetable starch is fermented, natural stabilizing products are added and the final product is molded. It’s made from renewable resources and , you guessed it, will compost in 45-60 days.* Napkins/Paper towels – 100% recycled: 900 million trees are turned into paper and pulp every year. Using recycled paper products uses 60% less energy than virgin paper, and each ton saves 17 trees!

Bags – compostable also: Trash liners and collection bags are available in compostable material. Made from corn, they compost just like PLA.

I hope this information has been helpful and happy 'Green' planning.