Eco Friendly Crockery That Works

Nowadays, everyone is jumping on the environmental bandwagon. Don't misunderstand; it's a great place to be. However, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out which choices are not only the greenest, but also the best option for you. Take your crockery, for instance. You may think that this is an area where you simply go to the store, buy your plates and bowls, and take them home. Even here, it is possible to make green choices that are also functional and stylish.

Let's start out with your best dinnerware. This crockery should reflect your personal style. A great green option comes from recycled glass. There is a stunning array of recycled glass plates and bowls out there. You can choose from elegant etched designs or sturdy colorful patterns. Most recycled glass crockery is oven and dishwasher safe, just as is regular glassware. Recycled glass crockery is often hand-crafted, so you know your pieces are one of a kind.

Plastic crockery is also available from recycled sources. One of your best options is to look for bowls made from recycled melamine, a sturdy polymer that stands up to the dishwasher, but not the microwave. Many varieties of melamine crockery come in bright colors with fun, confetti-like patterns, perfect for families with small children.

For everyday crockery, think bamboo. Bamboo is the largest family of grasses in the world. Timber bamboo can grow up to 100ft tall in just a few years. That is why bamboo is considered a rapidly renewable resource. It can be pulped and easily molded into eco-friendly crockery. Bamboo plates are the perfect bridge between your best dishes and disposable plates. It is made from pulped and molded fibers.

The result is a soft brown color with an interesting organic pattern. Bamboo products are sturdy and should last for many years. When one does break, you can rest assured knowing that it is 100% bio-degradable and great for composting. The price of bamboo ware is also friendly on your wallet.

There are many eco-friendly options for disposable crockery as well. Previously, at the end of a family barbeque you would either have to face a mountain of dishes or a mountain of trash. Paper plates are not sturdy enough to be used more than once, and plastic plates can only be reused if you are willing to wash all of them. However, there is a great alternative.

You can use sugarcane-based dishes. Sugarcane is a waste product of the sugar industry that is usually burned or buried. However, it can be easily pulped and made into bio-degradable plates and cups. Sugarcane reaches maturity in less than six months, so it is a renewable resource.

There is also another trendy and fun option for disposable crockery. You can purchase recycled, water-proofed paper that contains a pattern for making origami drinking cups. These cups are a fun option for a party, but be warned that they will start leaking if used throughout the entire day. With all these options, finding eco-friendly crockery is both easy and fun.

Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer. Her current area of specialism is sideboard.