https://youtu.be/W-2WiqOtlqg%20

Innovation isn’t always grandiose, or complicated, requiring teams of badly dressed nerds in disheveled clothes working around the clock…don’t know if that last bit applies or not in this case, but this elegantly simple solution to real problems caught my eye; edible disposable cutlery.

Cutlery you say? Innovative? – apparently India throws away 120 BILLION plastic spoons forks and knives a year. And that’s a lot. Not just because I’m a closet tree-hugger, but because India has a particular problem with trash disposal – and drought.

So this wonderful solution emerged: made from Millet (a grain that is highly nutritious and uses much less water than rice), they are flavored and baked and stay crispy even with liquids – but can be eaten afterwards. If they are, they are nutritious; if they aren’t, they completely biodegrade within 45 days. They even have a shelf life of 3 years! No plastic, extra nutrition, little water…elegant and simple. Beautifully so.

Just wish they’d make some bowls and plates. I might feel a bit like I’m at the Mad Hatter’s tea party, but the appeal of no dishes would be worth it.