Question from LB
I am interested in having lightweight plates, bowls, and cups that would be particularly appropriate for using outdoors (picnic style, if you will). I’d rather not use plastic and am considering enameled tinware and am interested in what life cycle, health, etc. issues I should be considering with this choice. Thoughts?
Debra’s Answer
I don’t have a full lifecycle analysis of enameled tinware, but here’s what I can tell you.
Tinware is made of sheet steel coated with tin. Enameled tinware has a layer of enamel. It is extremely durable and can be reused for many years, which is an environmental benefit. The environmental downside is that metal and enamel manufacturing is pretty toxic, even though the end result is quite inert.
Compared to plastic, I believe it is a better choice because it is less toxic and more durable.
