When it comes to outdoor dining, tabletop items tend to be of the plastic variety. But lately I’ve been making a conscious effort to stay away from plastics. After all, plastics are petroleum based and we’ve all seen how damaging our reliance on petroleum can be. Even as gorgeous as melamine can be, it’s still plastic. Luckily, outdoor dinnerware is inceasingly available in more natural materials. Here are a few of my favorites.
- The Wasara line of disposable tableware is by far the most uniquely shaped. Made from sugar cane fibers, bamboo and reed pulps, the line is strong yet compostable. Available at Joanne Hudson.
- Eco-friendly disposable products are becoming more common. Bambu Veneerware disposable plates, available at Sur La Table, are made from 100% organic bamboo, which biodegrades in 4 to 6 months. Bamboo flatware is also available.
- If you’re looking for something reusable, wood plates are a great alternative to plastic. Available at Mimi’s Mercantile, these acacia wood plates can be washed with soapy water and will last for years.
- Another reusable alternative to plastic dinnerware is the classic Corelle. Corelle dishes are a special laminated glass that is crack and break resistant. Corelle dishes are available in a wide variety of patterns – from homey to modern and everything in between.