Action 7：
Always use reusable cutlery
Why do we need to action?
Not environmentally friendly

Plastic bottles, plastic forks, plastic spoons, plastic bowls, plastic cups...... We use them only
for a few to ten minutes, however, it can take up to a thousand years to degrade these
materials when they are buried in the landfill. They would bring calamity to the earth!

In order to produce 4,000 pairs of chopsticks, a mature old tree needs to be cut down.
Not healthy


Would using bamboo chopsticks be more environmentally friendly? Indeed a majority of the
disposable chopsticks in the market are made from bamboo. However bamboo products
absorb moisture in the air and easily get moldy. What’s more, sulphur is used to smoke the
chopsticks during the production process. In addition, additives such as bleaching agents
and preservatives are added, which will harm our health.
Generally, most of the disposable cutlery is not heat resistant. They may melt and deform
when put in hot food and release toxic chemicals.
Summary of Action:
The O Camp committee and participants should use reusable cutlery provided in the campsite or
bring along their own cutlery to the camp in order to reduce the use of disposable cutlery.
Key Person: O Camp committee who is taking care of meals: ask the campsite canteen if only
disposable cutlery will be provided before entering the camp. If yes, remind participants to bring
their own cutlery.
Copyright © Friends of the Earth (HK)
Action Recipe:
1.
2.
3.
If you are preparing gifts for O Camp participants, why not choose a pack of
convenient reusable cutlery? While purchasing, remember to choose a set of cutlery
that is durable!
Team leaders should set a good example to reduce the use of disposable products!
How to clean up your cutlery quickly after each meal? You may consider using
bamboo towels. They can easily remove grease on the cutlery without any detergents!
References:

Production of disposable chopsticks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqmgSHGU5Ds or
http://cwces.com.tw/blog/?p=367

Bamboo Towel
http://gogreenhongkong.wordpress.com/2011/11/27/%e7%ab%b9%e7%ba%96%e7
%b6%ad%e7%a2%97%e5%b8%83/
Copyright © Friends of the Earth (HK)