8 Genuine Sustainable Dinnerware Brands For Newbies

The beauty of your dining table isn't limited to the delicacies -- it's also crucial to consider the materials your plates, napkins, and cups are made of. It is regarded as a luxury to eat in modern design dinnerware but money isn't the only green that matters.

The excitement of having the table set with amazingly shiny and unconventional dishes is undeniable. However, next time you smell that enticing aroma, stop to think of your dinnerware's sustainability.

What do you think about sustaining your body and the environment? Not only in your meals but also in the dinnerware you cook with and serve them in, thereby ensuring environmental sustainability with your dinnerware.

As much as ecological documentaries educate us about the ethics of food choices, we would be looking beyond the menu in this article. The most direct connection we have to our planet is eating. Therefore, you should not only consider the environmental impact of what we eat but what we're eating it from. The foundation of a planet-friendly platemaker is literally sustainable dinnerware.

There are several dinnerwares out there, so how do you know which is sustainable? Sustainable dinnerwares are dinnerwares that do not contain cadmium or toxic elements but are produced from sustainably sourced materials such as responsibly-harvested bamboo and recycled glass. They are often referred to as eco-friendly dinnerware. Let's help you understand the importance of choosing sustainable dinnerware, how to use them, and the top brands you should trust.

What is Toxic Dinnerware?

Many of our mugs, cups, plates, and bowls contain heavy metals, like lead and cadmium, which leach into our foods, causing great harm. Lead and cadmium hide under the glaze of brightly colored, decorated dinnerware. In contrast, they are the culprits of toxic dinnerware, and even the smallest amount of exposure to metals, like lead, can have a dangerous long-term effect, especially on children. It is therefore essential to ensure your dinnerwares are safe. Toxic dinnerware contains and houses toxic metals.

For centuries, ceramics such as porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware are commonly used for dinnerware and have been used to serve and store food. However, its toxicity could be from its completed glaze, giving it smooth and shiny bright colors and decorations. Though toxic dinnerware is not just limited to dinnerware containing lead and cadmium but also other toxic materials such as formaldehyde, BPA(contained in plastic plates), phthalates, and others. They are often tagged as lead-free.

Why should you quit Toxic Dinnerware?

Although lead is a naturally occurring element, it can be toxic to humans. Its accumulated presence in the human body can cause lead poisoning and have serious health consequences. Dinnerware is also made of other chemicals and harmful materials that should be avoided. Below are the reasons why you should quit Toxic dinnerware:

1. Contains Lead

For centuries, lead has been used in ceramics not just for bright colors and shiny surfaces but because it seals the products and improves durability. But lead is bioaccumulative; it builds up in your body over time, so even traces of a small amount of lead could be harmful if you do not stop using it. The continual and regular usage of lead-contained dinnerware allows it to build up to its presence in your body.

Accumulation of lead could result in kidney damage, Anemia, weakness, congenital disabilities, memory problems..e.t.c

2. Contains BPA

Plastic chemicals like BPA in plastics can leach into your food when exposed to heat, leading to health issues.

Contamination of waterways: Asides from its effects on humans, polluting plastics end up in the ocean, taking 450-1000+ years to break down, which breeds trouble for wildlife. Moreover, millions of marine animals die from entangled and suffocated, including the most problematic, Prochlorococcus, the tiny ocean bacteria produce 10% of the world's oxygen, and plastics kill it.

Accumulation of BPA could result in Coronary artery disease, Hypertension, Obesity, and liver damage. Etc

3. Contain Cadmium

Another heavy metal commonly found in dinnerware is cadmium, which is bioaccumulative and can pose health risks such as bone diseases, lung disease, and breast cancer. Etc.

4. Contain Phthalates

These are also found in plastics and pose health risks such as hyperactivity disorder, asthma, low IQ, Autism, Reproductive issues, etc.

5. Hard to reuse, obscure toxins: Melamine plates

When hot drinks or food are served in your melamine plate or cup, chemicals such as nonylphenol may get leached into your food, resulting in health issues. Melamine plates are non-biodegradable e because of their solidity.

It is best to avoid these harmful chemicals and go with safer options to prevent health issues and environmental degradation. Also, to quit Toxic Dinnerware, you should consider the brand that made it; not all brands patiently go through the necessary process to create a non-toxic dinnerware.

Environmental Benefits of sustainable dinnerwares

Non-toxic dinnerware ware is essential, and it is part of the sustainable living tips, so you could consider purchasing these dinnerware from eco-friendly dinnerware brands. It is nearly impossible always to ensure that you are eating/drinking out of non-toxic dishware, especially when you eat at a restaurant or visit a friend. Still, it is entirely possible to ensure that the dishes used in your home are safe and harmless to you and the environment.

However, before we delve into the environmental benefits of eco-friendly and sustainable dinnerware, we have to consider what makes a dinnerware sustainable. Here are a few things to consider to determine whether it is sustainable or not.

Who made it?

Dinnerwares made by brands where artisan craft is prioritized and makers are given fair works under safe, healthy conditions are likely to produce sustainable dinnerware.

What is it made of?

Sustainable dinnerwares are made from eco-friendly materials that are easy on the planet. It is best when it is made from recycled materials.

Is it affordable?

Sustainable dinnerwares are inexpensive and reusable , making them a valuable eco-friendly addition to your home. A good quality sustainable dinnerware should last for years, if not decades.

The benefits of sustainable dinnerware include the following:

1. Soil health-boosting (Biodegradable)

Biodegradable dinnerwares have more benefits than just being good for the health; they do not leave behind toxic chemicals or residues. They are made from biodegradable materials such as sugarcane pulp, corn starch, and rice husk, making them environmentally friendly. They can be broken down to their original molecules over a period of time by the natural actions of biological organisms. i.e., they degrade over time, releasing earth-friendly nutrients into the soil. In addition, the materials used in making them are renewable, so they do not deplete the earth’s natural resources. At the same time, manufacturers are mindful of their carbon food and are likely to take steps to reduce the greenhouse gases they produce.

2. Convenient Composting

Plastic cutlery pollutes oceans, block waterways, and harm animals and birds. They are sucking out the nutrients of the soil. While easily compostable and biodegradable, dinnerware nourishes the earth. Products made from sugarcane pulp can be broken down into pieces after removing food residue and then tossed into the compost bin directly for their decomposition.

3. Safe Microwaving

Unlike toxic dinnerware, sustainable tableware does not release toxins or chemicals into your food when exposed to heat. So, you have to microwave them with no traces of harm. This is a result of the fact that they are free of chemical treatments, dyes, bleaches, and inks. They are instead made safe for children and adults.

4. Easy cleaning

It could sometimes be tiring when you remember you still have to do your dish cleaning after a long day at your event; worry, less sustainable dishes come with minimal cleaning efforts.

5. Sturdiness

Aside from the durability of sustainable dinnerware, they are also resistant to heat, weight, or steam of heat so you can serve wet, dry, greasy, hot, or cold food without any adverse effects.

Is dinnerware made from recycled materials safe?

There are various materials used in making dinnerware, from recycled materials to ceramic, and there is a bound of the type of sustainable dinnerware that fits for taste and style.

While dinnerware made from recycled glass is a great option, many also turn to dinnerware made from recycled plastic because of its affordability and ease of use. Even though recycling used plastic into new products requires less energy, which is better for the environment than creating new materials, recycled places can still leach put harmful chemicals that are not safe for your health.

Hence, recycled glass dinnerware is best when considering dinnerware made from recycled materials.

Is recycled glass sustainable dinnerware?

Dinnerware made from recycled glass is an excellent option for drinking glasses. Turning recycled glass into recycled glass plates is a natural leap in designing and re-using materials. It is one way to make a difference in reducing pollution and waste.

Recycled glass dinnerware is considered sustainable because its;

Reduces air pollution by 20% by making new glass
They are BPA free.
Reduces water pollution by 50% over making new glass.
It saves about 40% of the energy needed to make new glass. And the lesser energy used Reduces the emissions of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide, which are both greenhouse gases.
Conserves natural resources; every ton of recycled glass saves more than a ton of raw materials needed to create new glass.

Additionally, upcycled glass provides an excellent way to reduce food waste. Upcycled dinnerware is made from food-grade glass that would otherwise be thrown away. The manufacturing process of upcycled dinnerware is straightforward; the glass is melted and formed into new dinnerware. It is certainly a cost-effective eco-friendly tableware everyone should consider.

How to choose sustainable dinnerwares

When choosing sustainable dinnerware, it has to be done carefully and patiently. So, in choosing a sustainable dinnerware, here are some labels to look out for:

1. Recycled indicates that the dinnerware is made up of recycled materials.

2. Zero packaging indicates that the product is unpackaged, although it should have a small label on it sometimes.

3. Low waste: low waste products are either zero waste solutions or create significantly less waste than their usual alternatives. To choose dinnerware, ensure it is a common waste.

4. Fully biodegradable: ensure to choose dinnerware made of natural materials because they are readily biodegradable. So you can easily compost them at the end of their lifecycle. This is so that they won't pollute the environment or sit in landfills for ages as many plastics do.

5. Reliable Brand: while choosing your sustainable dinnerware, ensure to select and purchase from a brand that is

Ready to continue to provide a safe, reusable product free of harmful materials.
Vigilantly pursuing innovative ways to reduce the carbon emissions on the global landscape.
Ready to reduce or eliminate resource consumption and instead recycle what is available

6. Check for non-toxic dinnerware made up of clear borosilicate glass without decals or decorations.

Top 8 Ethical & Eco Friendly Dinnerware Brands

Everything we revealed above about sustainable dinnerware all leads to this moment -- where we list the most sustainable dinnerware brands. If you're looking to buy a eco friendly dinnerware collection to add to your dinner table, then you've come to the right place. The dinnerware industry is filled with many options but which can you trust? To get started, you must first know a few ethical dinnerware brands. Here, we'll introduce you to eight of the best brands out there.

These brands all make beautiful, high-quality products that are kind to the planet. Also, they all have ethical practices that you can feel good about supporting. Thus, here are the eight best eco-friendly dinnerware brands without further ado.

Viva Terra

Looking for sustainable and earth-friendly dinnerware, look no further than Viva Terra! They have a selection of plates, bowls, and cups made from natural materials like bamboo fiber and earthenware, so you can feel good about using them. And because they're reusable, you'll be doing your part to reduce waste. It's hard to find sustainable dinnerware that doesn't sacrifice style. Nevertheless, Viva Terra dinnerware products comprise elegant eco friendly plates, so you can entertain in style while being eco-conscious. So, browse their selection - your perfect set of sustainable tableware is waiting for you!

Little Market

There's an exceptional satisfaction you get when you enjoy your meals in an eco-friendly way. Meet The Little Market; you're the new go-to for sustainable dinnerware. They sell a wide range of beautiful and durable dishes made from sustainable materials like sustainably harvested bamboo and ceramic, designed with fun colors. Whether you're looking for plates, bowls, or cups, they have you covered. And because they believe that sustainability should be stylish, each dinnerware comes in a variety of colors and designs to suit any taste. Plus, it's all dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. So why not ditch those disposables and switch to a sustainable style with The Little Market? Your menu (and the planet) will thank you.

East Fork

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting to get your hands dirty, East Fork is the perfect addition to your springtime routine. This vibrant glaze brings the freshness of early spring to your table, with a light and airy feel that's perfect for any meal. The Asheville-made pottery is dishwasher and microwave safe so that you can enjoy this glaze all season long. Made from lead-free materials and lots of integrity, you can be sure that your dinnerware will last for years to come.

Itemerie

Introducing itemerie, a unique home decor and kitchenware company that celebrates the bounty of our planet. Their sustainable and ethically-made products are handmade from natural materials like bamboo, virgin porcelain ceramic, and eggshells. Shopping at Itemerie means you contribute to the growth of independent makers and small businesses.

Their beautiful bamboo bowls with inlaid eggshells are perfect for serving your favorite meals. Or check out their stylish pots for plants - they'll add a touch of nature to any room in your house. What's more, their recycled and virgin porcelain kitchenware is both practical and elegant.

You could be pouring your favorite champagne into sustainable wine glasses by the end of the week! So, why not ditch those mass-produced items in favor of something more unique? Shop itemerie today and enjoy long-lasting, artisan-made goods.

Our Place

Bring the flavors of the world into your home with Our Place antique dinnerware. Our all-natural collections are inspired by the cultures and places that make up the modern kitchen. With beautiful designs from cultures worldwide, Our Place dinnerware is perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of global style to their home. They "design thoughtfully, source ethically, and produce sustainably" to create new heirlooms for your table. With Our Place, you can bring the world's flavors together in your kitchen through well-crafted dinner plates, salad bowls, and more. Enjoy your home-cooked meal in style!

Ekobo

Looking for an eco-friendly kitchen utensil collection that doesn't sacrifice style or functionality? Meet Ekobo! Our ultra space-saving, thoughtful collection features a family of accessories that work together to simplify food preparation, food storage, and service.

Ekobo is more than just another kitchen gadget; it's an utterly eco-friendly kitchen solution that will make your life easier and help you save space. Their multifunctional kitchen utensil collection includes a spatula, pasta spoon, tongs, and serving fork, all made from sustainable bamboo and designed to work together to simplify food preparation, food storage, and service.

The ergonomic handles on their utensils provide a comfortable grip, while the bamboo construction is solid and durable. Their utensils are also heat-resistant up to 356 degrees Fahrenheit so that you can use them on the stovetop without worry. Plus, they're dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
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Shop Ekobo today!

Public Goods

Public goods offer a range of sustainable dinnerware sets perfect for any occasion. These days, it's more important than ever to make sustainable choices when we shop. When you shop at Public Goods, you enjoy a wide range of environmentally friendly dinnerware made from sustainably sourced materials like bamboo and cornstarch. Their products are durable and compostable, perfect for eco-conscious diners everywhere. They have everything you need to make your next event unforgettable, from plates and bowls to cups and utensils. So why not choose a product that gives back? With their sustainable dinnerware, you can enjoy your meal knowing you're making a difference.

Newly

Looking for a new way to green your dining experience? Look no further than Newly! Their line of sustainable glassware is the perfect way to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying your favorite drinks. Made entirely from biodegradable materials, their products are ideal for eco-conscious diners everywhere. The trendy mug and glass designs will add a touch of style to any table setting. So, why not try something new? Shop newly today!

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Conclusion

Now that you know all about sustainable dinnerware, it's time to switch! Compostable paper plates are an excellent option for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. If you're looking for something more durable, try bamboo dinnerware or palm leaf plates. These materials are sturdy enough to stand up to your heaviest meals, and they're also completely biodegradable. And if you're looking for an elegant option for special occasions, try using glass or ceramic dinnerware. These materials can be reused again and again, and they'll help you reduce your carbon footprint.

When it comes to responsible materials there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to sustainable dinnerware you're looking for eco-friendly glassware, pottery, or kitchen utensils, these eight brands have you covered. So what are you waiting for? It's time to start eating sustainably!

It can be hard to find eco-friendly brands that you can trust. Not all sustainable brands are genuine. It's hard to know which ones are actually doing good for the environment and which ones are just greenwashing. We're here to help. At Green Hive, we currently recommend the most sustainable brands in 2022. Our directory is packed with businesses that are committed to making a positive impact on the planet. We believe in a future where sustainability is the norm, and we're doing everything we can to make that happen.