Republicans Scrap 'Compostable' Utensils in House Cafeterias
Los Angeles Times 3.25.11
After gaining control of the House, Republicans are piling their plates with a controversial issue that's separating lawmakers significantly along party lines.
According to Republicans, the use of "compostable" cups and utensils was "neither cost-effective nor energy-efficient," as reported by the L.A. Times. Notorious plastic utensils and flimsy polystyrene cups are back, and Democrats have a mouthful to say about it. Modifying utensils in the cafeteria, which serves approximately 230,000 meals a month, was an essential part of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Green the Capitol initiative. Some lawmakers are advocating the wisdom of reusables by bringing mugs from home and suggesting metal spoons and forks as a solution to the issue.
Take a look at our disposable lunch item facts for information regarding cutlery and lunch waste.
Read the full article here.
Image: Jim Young / Reuters