To compost or not – that is the question. Personally, I think to compost is something all of us should think about. But let’s face it, it’s not always easy.
Goodnews is the folks at Matter have taken some of the guess work out with compostable products made from plants and natural fibers that decompose within a 12-month period. Yes, folks you heard me right and naturally I had to check it out.
When I received the press-release asking if I wanted samples, I got a bit choosy and requested something other than trash bags. The company did not disappoint and sent me, 18-ounce party cups – ya know the big red kind! — an assorted cutlery set, 9-inch plates, and sandwich bags. Jackpot! And with the holidays coming up what better time to review new disposable products?
Folks, my family is large. And we always have the red cups set up on the counter with our names on them. And honestly, the thought of all that plastic going into the trash just – well – simply annoys me and I’m sure some of you feel the same.
Then due to circumstances beyond my control, and with a Category 4 Hurricane Helene heading directly to where we live, I had to house a lot of people and decided it was time to try them out. Matter’s 18-ounce Cold Cups were actually thicker and sturdier than a name brand I have stashed away, which helps avoid spills. The cups did their job – meaning they did not crack or leak – and even withstood multiple drinks and washes.
Taking advantage of my need to play hostess, I decided to try all the Matter Compostable products sent to me.
Up next: the cutlery. When I do purchase plastic cutlery (and I try to avoid it for ecological reasons) it is always high-end. There is nothing worse than trying to pick up a piece of food just to have the fork break.
The quality of Matter Compostable cutlery lies somewhere between medium and heavy duty. It is slightly flexible but not easily broken. I used it during dinner where grilled sausage was the main event. I had a bit of a problem with holding the sausage in place while cutting it. But my other guests did not have any problem at all! All felt the cutlery performed as should be expected from a good quality disposable set.
Onto the 9-inch plates and my sausage dinner. The plates are pretty thick and not easily bendable. If I had to take a guess, I would say one step below the highest quality typical paper plate you can buy. Cutting the sausage did not weaken the plate at all. But the true test was when I checked to see if the sausage grease leaked through the plate onto my tablecloth. I am happy to say it did not and there was no grease stain on the bottom of the plate. Impressive.
While reading the enclosed literature I discovered not all of the products are home compostable and require commercial composting. I emailed the product representative and asked about this. I was impressed the company actually answered.
And here it is: “[Some] items will not break down effectively in a landfill environment. But there are other benefits to compostables even if they don’t compost such as a lack of petroleum-based plastics in the production, the use of plants in manufacturing, and lower carbon emissions. Still, the best place for them is in a commercial compost facility. Note that all of our plates, bowls, and 3g and 13g waste bags ARE home compostable.”
With a little more research, which was confirmed by the manufacturer, many municipalities do not have commercial composting and our town is one of them. But many do have drop-off services or subscription services depending on how deep you want to dive.
Matter Line products are BPI Certified Compostable which is great. BPI is a nonprofit group that ensures packaging meets certain requirements that make it compostable. So, if commercial composting is available BPI Certified Compostable will be accepted, but always check with the facility first to confirm which compostable products they will take.
What’s my bottom line? The Matter Compostable products are totally worth it and for those large family gatherings I will be purchasing those items — plates, bowls and bags — that I can safely compost at home. And the benefits of the products that can’t be composted at home still add value for anyone who’s trying to make the world a little bit better; I’d rather use these than cups or utensils made with traditional plastics. Highly Recommended by Where The Food Comes From.
