Drinking cups made from corn by-products, wheat straws and sugar cane containers are a bette to styrofoam. - photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter
Concern for the environment is growing, and across the world many persons are trying to do their part to preserve mother Earth.
For Yolande Rattray-Wright, replacing styrofoam food containers with biodegradable food packing containers made from sugar cane is her aim.
"Having worked in the entertainment industry for many years, I saw the pile-up of garbage all around after events," Mrs. Rattray-Wright explained, and this became a major concern for her. Three years ago, she came up with the concept of replacing the styrofoam containers that were used. Two years later, Earthbound Biodegradable Food Packaging Company Ltd. became a reality. These environmentally friendly products made mostly from sugar cane and wild reed are now available in Jamaica.
"We can't forget the things that make us safe ... no ink and no bleach is used in these containers, they are natural," she pointed out. The range of products include garbage bags (bio bags), corn cups, wheat drinking straws, wheat cutlery (knives, spoons, forks), lunch boxes available in three sizes, plates and coffee cups.
"These are all biodegradable and take between three to nine months to degrade," Rattray-Wright added.
Biodegradable containers
Usage features include:
A sturdy container
Microwave and oven-friendly (up to 230 Celsius)
Freezer-friendly (down to -25 Celsius)
Leakage resistant and prevents discoloration.
Water and oil resistant.
It maintains temperature of the food (hot, cold)
Environmental features include:
Biodegradable
Will decompose after three months in the soil (mineral and fibre residue).
Compostable into and organic fertiliser.
Health features:
No seepage.
No bleaching.
No coating.
Currently, containers are available by direct order, but for the summer they will be available in Super Plus Food Stores.
Email earthboundja@yahoo.com.
Yolande Rattray-Wright, managing director of Earthbound Biodegradable Food Packaging Company Limited.