National Chopsticks Day

 National Chopsticks Day

Shrimp Nuggets: photo by Cliff Hutson

National Chopsticks Day is held every year on February 6th. 

Chopsticks are eating utensils that are used in East and Southeast Asian countries. In today's world, they are commonly made from wood, bamboo, plastic, or metal. Other materials have been used and can still be found.

Korean Metal Chopsticks: photo by Cliff Hutson

There are several designs: Chinese chopsticks are usually rectangular with blunt ends and around 10 to 11 inches long. Japanese chopsticks are rounded, come to a point, and are somewhat shorter. 

Chinese Restaurant Chopsticks: photo by Cliff Hutson

Japanese Chopsticks & Case: photo by Cliff Hutson

As can be seen from the above photographs, I sometimes avail myself of so-called single use chopsticks. Many people in the green movement see these as a a great evil. However, as noted in this article, disposable wooden chopsticks are not always unsustainable. In some cases, they may even be more sustainable compared to reusable chopsticks that are made from plastic or stainless steel because no energy-intensive process is required to transform the raw materials into a different form. And, as they are discarded after one use, they do not require any water or soap for cleaning during the consumption portion of their lifecycle. At the end of their life, they don’t release harmful substances into the soil or the atmosphere and they break down naturally over time.

My basic stance is that if I order out I will not take the restaurant's chopsticks and instead use the ones I have at home. Two pairs of those are "reusable and portable", but I find it awkward to tote them around and then whip out when ready to eat. So, when in a restaurant I just accept what it has to offer. But, that is great solution for I pack my own meals to eat on the run.

Some Fun Quotes About Chopsticks:

"Trying to hit Phil Niekro is like trying to eat jello with chopsticks. Sometimes you get a piece but most of the time you get hungry." - Bobby Murcer

"I would frankly be shocked if Donald Trump even knows how to use chopsticks or is even able to manipulate them with those tiny little fingers." - Anthony Bourdain