Restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops are trying to deal with the threat of COVID-19, seeking to protect their employees and customers, while also worrying about the potential impact an outbreak could have on their business. Food-service operators are getting some guidance from local health officials on what to do and what not to do.
Some restaurants have started using only disposable plates, glasses, and utensils so that the staff members do not have to wash previously handled items. Restaurants have also switched to single-use disposable menus and removed salt and pepper shakers and ketchup and mustard bottles from their tables. Salt and pepper are now provided in small paper packets, and ketchup and mustard are available on a plate, poured from a bulk container.
Many owners of hotels and restaurants are following the guidelines issued by the government and have switched to disposable but compostable serving plates and utensils due to rising health risks about the virus and in an effort to keep the staff and customers as safe as possible. Here are some reasons why all restaurants should switch to biodegradable tableware during corona outbreak:
- Made from natural materials
Biodegradable disposable plates, biodegradable paper bowls, cups, and utensils are made from sugarcane pulp and other crop waste which makes it safer for use and safer for the environment. It does not contain any toxins so it is ideal for people of all ages and conditions.
- Easy to serve food and discard
Biodegradable disposable tableware is the easiest and safest way to serve food during the outbreak of coronavirus as they are only used once. They do not require any cleaning and are easy to discard. You can pile them up in compost and let them decompose naturally.
- Plastic plates are toxic
Plastic contains a lot of harmful toxins and on top of that, the virus can persist on plastic objects for up to 2 days which means it is a medium from which the virus can transfer from one person to another. To avoid the risks, it is best not to use plastic plates and utensils. Restaurants should also be made aware of the risks involved in using plastic and ceramic plates and should be recommended the use of biodegradable disposable plates only.
- Unlikely to host the virus
Sugarcane pulp plates are less prone to hosting the coronavirus than plastic or ceramic plates as the virus can only last on the surface for a few hours. On the other hand, plastic plates can carry the virus for more than 2 days, which means anyone who comes in contact with the plastic surface within 2 days has the risk of infection.
- Do not require cleaning
The best thing about using biodegradable plates, disposable wooden spoons, and eco-friendly disposable cups is that you don’t have to wash them. You can pick the disposable plates using hand gloves and straight away discard them in compost.
- Does not end up as waste
Unlike single-use plastic or Styrofoam plates, biodegradable plates do not end up in landfills. Even if some amount of these eco-friendly disposable plates reaches the landfill they are easily decomposed within a year.
Restaurants big or small should all follow the guidelines laid by the government during this outbreak and ensure no one is at any risk of infection, including the staff. Using eco-friendly disposable tableware can not only help to contain the spread of COVID-19 but also protects the environment from increasing waste.
Ecoware, one of the leading sustainable packaging manufacturing companies in India is also focusing on reducing the spread of coronavirus by providing biodegradable disposable tableware to restaurants and hotels at the most discounted prices. With the wide range and sizes of eco-friendly disposable plates, eco-friendly disposable bowls, eco-friendly disposable trays, disposable wooden spoons, eco-friendly disposable cups, and many other products, we have already set a way to combat the spread of the virus. To check out the product range, please visit www.ecoware.in
