Let's face it, as green as we try to be, sometimes disposable dinnerware is really the best option. From potluck parties that are just too big for dishes to outdoor entertaining where you want the simplicity of disposable plates, we found a few options that let you remain green while keeping it easy.
1. Sugarcane Plates, from Eco-Products, are available in various sizes and, as the name suggests, are made from sugarcane.
2. You can buy Veneerware by the piece at Branch Home, or you can grab their Veneerware Party Kit, with service for 16 or 50, for under $70.
3. Eco Products also offers Plant Starch Cutlery, which is made with 70% renewable materials.
4. If you're willing to wash up a little bit afterwards, the Preserve On The Go Plates from Vine.com are made in the USA from 100% BPA free, recycled #5 plastic so they can be re-used.
5. Leafware 7in Deep Square Plate Bulk from Joanne Hudson are made from fallen palm leaves. There are also bowls, platters and additional plate sizes.
6. Tablee Disposable Cutlery and Napkin Set, also from Joanne Hudson, is not only green, it's adorable!
7. Party City carries the Eco Friendly line of dinnerware, with cutlery made from 80% potato starch and 20% vegetable oil.
(Images: As credited above.)
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Some of this may be marginally better than fresh wood products. But keep in mind several things: it's not compostable if it's thrown in the garbage. Compost needs sunlight, water and air. Also look at the entire life cycle of the product. Potatoes, sugar cane and "vegetable oil" (which can be code for palm oil) plantations require huge amounts of land to be deforested, and it ruins the soil. Fallen palm leaves are a nice idea but normally those would go back to the soil to feed it nutrients. Don't let the FTC catch them greenwashing or they'll be nailed with fines and possibly jail time with the new standards.
I had a Christmas party 3 years ago with about 30 people and I used China. I understand the need but I feel it's such a waste. Plus, isn't that what dishwashers are for? I hand washed everything..no dishwasher.
For picnics, try and purchase friendlier plastic products.
That's just my 2 cents.
Yes, I agree with Emmi and LyonStill. Emmi, you made a very good point, and it's something I didn't realize until recently. If you throw something compostable in the garbage, when it ends up at a landfill, it won't decompose. Even banana peels don't.
If you do decide to get "disposable" stuff, please remember that a lot of it can be washed and used over and over and over. I'v done that. Throwing it in the trash makes me want to cry.
"Eco-friendly" and "disposable" should never be in the same sentence, imho. These "convenient," green-washed products generally have harmful production processes and, like Emmi said, only decompose in a compost pile.
Just get some dishes and carry them along. Melamine and plastic plates are fine for picnics since they're lighter to carry and you really only need a handful. Just bring an oilcloth-lined bag to stick the dirties in until you get home. If you're at home, suck it up and do the dishes for the 50 people who come over.
By (my) definition, anything disposable is not "green."
I agree with other posters who say anything disposable is not green. Let's face it though, people are going to continue using disposable products. It's best to take baby steps and at least encourage purchasing products that are going to be less harmful.
Emmi brought up a good point though. Do compostable products need to be disposed of differently? The place I work uses compostable cutlery/plates/cups at events. There is a separate trash can for the compostables. I'm not sure where it's disposed.
Thanks to everyone for the great points and @Studiostarter yes your employers should be transferring those items to a container designed for compost, obviously, what that entails is a container that is exposed to sunlight, water and air so the materials can break down. It should be stirred, have the right Carbon : Nitrogen ratio and have only certain materials tossed in there. And see the Green Guides link for new FTC rules.
http://business.ftc.gov/multimedia/videos/green-guides
We regularly hold bbqs where 40 people attend. 2 years ago I purchased a set of 40 white plastic picnic plates that stack compactly and are sturdy but light. I have also collected 40 pairs of knives and forks from friends who have odds and ends they are happy to give me. All go in the dishwasher at the end of the night, it is very little additional effort and I think our guests enjoy the sturdier dinnerware.
I love the disposable idea. Who wants to wash dishes 50-ba-jillion times.
I bought some of the disposable ones from fhdecor.com a site dedicated to sustainability. .
II'm not a big fan of disposable anything, but I'm hosting a graduation party for 50 or so and didn't have enough dishes to go around. I purchase 50 plates from Leafware. One of my worst purchases ever. First off, they smelled like the inside of my compost bin after I've cut my lawn: Not the nice fresh-cut-grass smell but the decomposing grass smell. The only positive is that I'd probably save on the grocery bill if I serve on these plates. I purchase them from Joanne Hudson on-line and the pictures were deceiving. While some of the plates look lovely, many are wrinkled, misshapen and falling apart. Which is all moot, anyway, because they smell. Customer service at Joanne Hudson was awful. Yje Catch 22: I can't return them because I opened them but I couldn't have known they smell until I opened then. Very expensive mistake. And wasteful, to boot.