Eco Product, What?

On a recent trip to the Hawaiin Islands we found that we were coming across these “eco” cups everywhere. On the mainland we have seen things near the ocean such as the paper straws that breakdown and dissolve easily should they blow into the water. A great, smart product–albeit they unfortunately don’t last long if you leave them in your drink of choice! This was different. They were cups that said certified compostable. We saw them EVERYWHERE!

Eventually we asked one of the local bartenders if he knew anything about them. Turns out he gave us some wrong info about how quickly they compost and what they’re made of, but it led us to research the company on our own, so we consider it a productive conversation. 🙂

Turns out this particular company is called World Centric, and after some quick research we found out they are on a mission to change the way the food and packing industry operates by offering products that are compostable as opposed to plastics and styrofoam. According to their website, their products are made from renewable plants such as sugarcane and bamboo. These products break down in a “commercial” composting facility and are approved by the FDA.

This got my wheels turning. Why don’t you see these products more places? Do business owners know these products are out there for their restaurants, hotels and other food industries? I had no idea they existed, so I’m guessing others may be in the dark also. It stands to reason that areas that are closer to the ocean and ones that are also more tourism driven may have a higher standard of care for their water ecosystems. But my thoughts are, why don’t we use these everywhere? Or at minimum, by any body of water and not just the ocean. We have so many beautiful lakes and streams in the US that are negatively impacted by plastics continually.

I expect that a cost factor is involved, although at this point that is pure speculation. I did not delve into the cost comparison of a traditional plastic product versus these. Often times I find that doing the right thing can come with a higher price tag. This is where our voice as the consumer comes in to play. We need to be aware of the eco-friendly options that are out there and start helping to spread the word! So consider this my platform to share with you not only things we are working to improve and do as a company, but also sharing information I come across in the hopes of spreading education about what’s possible and what’s at our disposal if we just simply have the knowledge!

I will say that we are in no way shape or form connected, doing business with or an influencer for World Centric. We are simply a consumer, like you, who came across something we thought was worth sharing. We hope that you will do your own research in order to make your own informed decision, maybe with just a little leg up on where to look now.

Cheers to finding more environmentally friendly products in 2023!