“However, some people applauded the cost-saving hack, saying using food instead of plastic shreds of paper is better for the environment.”
I think this may be the real reason. I heard rice shouldn’t be used as dried rice expands in bird’s stomachs. And it’s biodegradable.
I’ve known people that used bird seed.
The rice thing is a myth. No bird has ever died from rice expanding in their stomach.
But, even if a person believes the myth, it would still be easier to just use birdseed. I would suggest millet, because the pale color makes it look like rice in the photos, and it’s non-invasive if some of the seeds sprout. It’s also very inexpensive and easy to find.
Using potato flakes is just weird.