Impact of disposable chopsticks
yes... I do use disposable chopsticks...
And yes, you’re absolutely correct in thinking that there are detrimental environmental effects by using disposable chopsticks.
Some estimates that more than 80 billion pairs are used annually
That’s more than 20 million matured trees
… and we struggle to plant a million trees…
Say if you order a takeaway, once a day with your partner and you use disposable chopsticks every time
If you were to connect each chopstick, it will be taller than the Eiffel tower by the end of year 1.
And to the moon, if everyone in a city the size of Sendai City (population of 1 million) stops using disposable chopsticks once a day for 2.5 years
Now just imagine if all of those 80 billion pairs were connected…
and your health?
You're not alone if you think that using disposable chopsticks are more hygienic and possibly better for your health.
Have you ever wondered how the disposable chopsticks are relatively uniform and consistently of the same color?
It just doesn’t happen naturally...
Disposable chopsticks are made by boiling them in toxic chemicals such as acid, bleach and other harsh chemicals, with many being produced in small, individually run factories
When making something that is given away for free and for single-use
Profit unfortunately outweighs quality
With very little(almost none actually) regulations and inspections
Toxic chemicals just aren’t washed off properly, leaving poisonous residue
The real washing for many of these chopsticks happens when you plunge those sticks into your favorite bowl of ramen. The dipping of those sticks cause the wood to expand causing the chemical to leach out