Spudware in the Wise Center

Howdy all - You all had some great critical questions about funding the purchase of compostable cutlery (knives, spoons and forks) in the Wise.

I took your questions to Ed.

I talked to Ed again tonight about the lifecycle of knives, spoons and forks in the Wise. He cleared up any concerns about sustainability and economics.

Here is a paraphrasing of our conversation:

ALAN: Ed you mentioned that you have washed spoons before to save them. Why can't we simply purchase some flatware and wash them?

ED: Well, currently we are not using the dishwasher at all. We don't need it. Most of the stuff we wash we wash by hand. This saves use lots of money in electrical costs.

ALAN: Is it really that significant of a savings?

ED: Yes. Plus I don't want them. Flatware will end up in the trash, broken and lost. It won't be a one time cost.

ALAN: But how often will you have to buy new flatware?

ED: Anyone in the food service business is gonna tell you what I am telling you. Flatware is a major hassle- getting the flatware returned and cleaning them- I simply don't want to deal with it.

ALAN: Even when the spudware you are hoping to purchase is twice as expensive as plastic or flatware?

ED: Listen, you have to understand something. We don't use up much cutlery in general. These several cases are not really that expensive.

ALAN: Well that was my next question. How long do regular forks and spoons last?

ED: Do you mean how fast will I go through a case of 1000?

ALAN: Yeah.

ED (pulls out case of spoons) This case I ordered 2 years ago. I have about 250 left.

ALAN: So two years.

ED: No. That case was a case of 500.

ALAN: OK so how long does 1000 pieces last.

ED: It depends but most of will still be here by the time I retire.

ALAN (shocked): When is that?

ED: Around 8 to 10 years.

ALAN: Really?

ED: Yes. Most of our products don't need utensils. They are restricted with specific items. Spoons go with sundaes - which don't really sell that often. Knives with cream cheeses...

ALAN: Ed, this sounds like this purchase could be sustainable if you incorporate it into you next budget.

ED: It will take us so long to go through our inventory I can see why we can't accomplish that.

ALAN: Excellent.