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April 15, 2005
Investing in the Stalkmarket
There's a new, environmentally sound, kind of "paper" plate available on the market today -- bagasse, a sugar cane based product. Not only is bagasse used to make plates, but also bowls, cups, and to-go containers. I have used Stalkmarket plates and liked them a lot.
To really give my Stalkmarket plates a run for their money, I served a juicy steak, sauteed mushrooms, and salad for dinner on the plates. Though we had obvious cut marks on the plates, they were still holding strong when dinner was done. My plate had a bit of leakage in one small spot where I must have cut most of my meat and where my mushrooms puddled. I've had worse leakage from double paper plates though, so didn't see that as a problem. We live in a rural area with rummaging wildlife, so we don't have a compost pile in which I could compost the plates. But I didn't feel as bad throwing them away as I do regular paper plates because they will break down in the landfill.
There are several benefits of this 100% recycled materials product over standard paper and foam plates. First, the fiber board is made of "left overs" from sugar cane processing, so is made from a renewable resource. Sugar cane is like grass, so when it is harvested, the plant isn't killed and starts growing again for the next crop. When sugar cane is processed for sugar, sugar is extracted, leaving a waste product called bagasse. Bagasse is pressed into pulp board for easier transport and processing into various products.
Second, this product is completely compostable and biodegradable. Because of the durability of the product, no polyethylene coating is used, as with standard wood-pulp paper products, so no residue remains in your compost pile or in the landfill. Foam products won't decompose at all. Another benefit of the sturdiness is that you need only one plate, for example, to safely hold your food, and the food doesn't leak through, meaning you have less waste and clean up.
Another benefit of bagasse over the traditional "paper" products is that no chlorine is used to bleach the fibers. By not using poisonous chemicals, both people and the environment are protected, adding to the environmental benefits of bagasse products. When you use disposable products, think bagasse. Think Stalkmarket.
And there's an article on ECOnomically Sound about foam products.
Posted by Kit Cassingham
Comments
On the Stalkmarket plates are they rigid or do they sag like most paper plates. Chinets are good rigid plates based on your experience. Thanks.
Posted by: Steve at April 12, 2008 10:05 PM
They are rigid like Chinette plates. They hold up to juicy steaks too. The hot cups, bowls and clam shell containers also hold up well.
The Stalkmarket now also has compostable flatware -- knives, forks and spoons.
Posted by: Kit Cassingham at April 12, 2008 10:24 PM
