Edible cutlery can save the environment.

Edible cutlery can save the environment. Plastic table ware such as spoons, bowls, and plates are harmful to the environment when they are disposed after use. Plastic polymers are made of many chemical compounds that are toxic and carcinogenic and can leech into food. Studies claim polymer products we use in our canteens and consist of polystyrene that discharge a volatile chemical known as styrene that increases the risk of cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia. Narayana Peesapati was working as a scientist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics in Hyderabad. He was really concerned about the harmful effects of plastics not only to the environment but to human health. He established his own startup named Bakey’s to produce edible cutlery. Bakey’s edible cutlery is made of rice, ajwain, wheat, jowar, black pepper and is made in different shapes and sizes. The spoons and chopsticks do not get soggy if placed in water and food. They only soften after some time (10-15 minutes), and thus can be eaten easily at the end of the meal. Even if discarded, they decompose within five to six days, if not eaten by insects or rodents. see