Four (or Five!) Reasons Why

…You Should Say “No” To Disposable Chopsticks

1. Rough estimates show that about 25 million trees are cut down each year in China to product 45 billion pairs of disposable chopsticks, with nearly half being sold in the export market. While official statistics show that forests make up about 18% of China’s landmass, most have been converted to low quality forests. More so, over-utilization has led to a significant loss in biodiversity, soil erosion, frequent flooding, a decrease of natural forest area, and a decrease in agricultural productivity.

2. With the exception of Kwytza Kraft which makes products from recycled chopsticks (all apparently very hygienic), nearly every disposable chopstick ends up in the garbage. At first blush, you may not think that it’s a problem. But when you think of the billions and billions that are used around the world each year, and the money it takes to dispose of them, the volume and costs start to add up.

3. Disposable chopsticks are symbolic of the throw-away culture in which we live. Whether you opt out from the ones on offer from your local take-out or bring your own when you eat out, saying “no” serves as a reminder that everyone can take action in some form or another.

4. Saying “no” may eventually save you and your favourite restaurant money. While re-usable chopsticks may cost more up-front, the movement toward taxing disposables is on the rise. The Chinese government imposed a 5% tax on disposable wooden chopsticks in 2006 and it is only a matter of time before governments around the world realize that this is a great way to get some PR for taking environmental action, as well as another way to raise tax dollars.

5. Disposable chopsticks cause cancer. Ok, that’s totally untrue. But people use to think so. There was an urban myth going around that they are full of carcinogens, but Snopes does a good job of debunking that nonsense.