Consider the Fork with Simone Giertz

This video above features Simone Giertz (who we love here at the Cutlery Review) having an amazing discussion about forks. These two really nerd out about forks and we are very jealous that we didn’t get to join the flatware chat. It’s great fun, give it a watch.

But it reminded us about an amazing book about cutlery and history. This book is almost the “bible” of cutlery for us in the office. It’s Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat by Bee Wilson. If you want to really know how that fork changed the world this is the book for you. We can’t recommend it enough.

Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat by Bee Wilson

Get Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat from Amazon

The Spork: A Marvelous Mate

When camping out in the great outdoors,
Where nature calls and adventure roars,
The spork’s your tool, so clever, so neat,
It handles your beans and your chunk of meat.
No need for a spoon, a fork, or knife,
A spork simplifies your camping life!

At home, it’s a wonder, a true saving grace,
Decluttering drawers, it finds its place.
For cereal mornings or pasta nights,
The spork’s always ready, a utensil that delights.
No mismatched sets, no frantic search,
The spork sits proudly on its multitask perch.

At school, it’s a hero, a lunchtime win,
Whether it’s soup or salad you’re digging in.
With one sleek tool, no chaos ensues,
Your spork handles it all—there’s nothing to lose!
No broken plastics, no wasteful designs,
Just one trusty spork, standing the test of time.

So whether you’re camping, at home, or in class,
The spork is the champion that none can surpass.
It’s eco, it’s clever, it’s built to endure,
A utensil of genius, that’s for sure!

Check out the cute Purple Spork at Amazon

Biodegradable Cutlery

Biodegradable cutlery has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic utensils, addressing the growing concern over plastic pollution. Made from natural materials like cornstarch, bamboo, wood, or sugarcane, these utensils are designed to break down naturally in composting environments, reducing their environmental impact. Unlike conventional plastics that can take hundreds of years to decompose, biodegradable cutlery can degrade within a few months under the right conditions. This makes it an attractive choice for eco-conscious consumers, particularly at events, restaurants, or in households aiming to minimize their carbon footprint.

While biodegradable cutlery offers many benefits, it’s not without challenges. For instance, these items often require specific composting conditions, such as industrial facilities with controlled heat and moisture, to break down efficiently. If discarded improperly, biodegradable cutlery might not decompose as quickly in landfills or natural environments, limiting its environmental benefits. Additionally, some products labeled as “biodegradable” may still contain small amounts of plastic or require energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Therefore, consumers should look for certifications and ensure proper disposal to maximize the sustainability of these products.

Lead in Cutlery

The Dangers of Lead in Cutlery
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can pose significant health risks, even in small amounts. When present in cutlery, particularly in decorative or antique pieces, lead can leach into food and beverages, especially when exposed to acidic or hot substances. Chronic exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, including neurological damage, developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults. For pregnant individuals, lead exposure can harm the developing fetus, leading to birth defects or developmental issues.

Sources of Lead in Cutlery
Lead in cutlery is often found in older or imported items, particularly those with decorative finishes or components made from materials like pewter, brass, or alloys that may include lead. Vintage cutlery sets with ornate designs or painted handles are particularly suspect. Modern regulations in many countries restrict the use of lead in food-related items, but not all products are subject to strict oversight, especially those produced in regions with lax manufacturing standards.

How to Test for Lead in Cutlery
To ensure your cutlery is lead-free, you can perform simple at-home tests or seek professional evaluation. At-home lead test kits, available at most hardware stores, use swabs that change color when they come into contact with lead. These kits are easy to use and can detect lead on surfaces, although they may not be as accurate as laboratory tests. For a more definitive assessment, consider sending a sample to a lab that specializes in lead testing. Additionally, be cautious when buying cutlery from unknown or unverified sources, and avoid using antique or decorative pieces for food consumption unless they’ve been tested and certified as safe.

Get yourself a Lead Testing Kit from Amazon