I think this is a great step in the right direction. But, it begins to make me question just which of the two are more ecofriendly? I don't claim to know the facts, but I believe I can ask some insightful questions regarding the pros/cons of each to start a dialogue:
- which one has a more environmentally-friendly manufacturing/production process?
- even though the spudware will biodegrade, it only does so if its composted correctly -- if proper systems aren't in place to ensure this, are we perhaps creating more waste in the landfills?
- supposedly some spudware is highly durable and can be reused -- but is exposing these possibly porous materials to cleaning chemicals potentially harmful to humans?
- let's say silverware is better because its reusable -- but what's the affect on the environment caused by all of the water, energy and chemicals used to clean them?
Doug Martin in Facilities had something interesting to say about this at a Green Team meeting I attended a while back.
ReplyDeleteHe had recently gone through "Master Recycler" training, and the issue of spudware had come up. If I'm remembering what he said correctly, since spudware off-gases C02 when it degrades, it may actually be more harmful to the environment than regular plastic, which is essentially inert and won't degrade.
I keep a set of reusable cutlery in my office - and then I wonder if it's more resource efficient to have many individuals campus-wide hand-washing their own cutlery or to have it all done centrally by the kitchen?