The Chic Ecologist

Verterra Sustainable Disposable Dinnerware Plates

I know it sounds like a complete oxymoron, but these picnic plates are both disposable and truly sustainable. Best when composted (as things don’t biodegrade in a landfill) to be truly sustainable cradle to cradle compliant, these sturdy plates are as much at home on your fancy dining room table as they are in the backyard. They feel as if they are made of wood, but actually are created by one of the least impact-full materials and processes: pressed fallen leaves.

It’s so simple and natural, it boggles my mind. Leaves that have fallen naturally are collected and pressed together using no chemicals, waxes or bonding agents, leaving them completely non-toxic and chemical free. This means no chemical binding agents or lacquers will be released into your hot food, and they compost easily and naturally. These are leaves that would have otherwise been burnt as agricultural “waste” but are instead formed into plates, bowls, and platters that are sturdy enough for both the microwave and regular oven.

The process itself is quite amazing as well. Using only 10% of the energy it takes to make recycled paper plates, production is facilitated by fair-wage workers along India’s Malabar Coast in the most environmentally conscious manner possible. Production scraps are turned into a powder which is used as fertilizer for farmers that supply Verterra with leaves. 84% of their factory water gets reused into water clean enough that even the CEO drinks it (they hope to reach 90% by the end of the year). In addition, none of the leaves are thrown away, and their total waste in a month is 2-3 consumer sized trash cans.

Bottom line, check these out for yourself and I am sure you will see why there is no comparison among so called ‘disposable’ dinnerware. Pair with some biodegradable cutlery, or better yet, just use your regular everyday silverware. Verterra Plates, bowls, and more are available from amazon, or try your local natural food store.

Related posts:

1. The Magic of Cork – Renewable, Sustainable and Good For Global Warming
2. Eco Baby Care – Earth Baby Compostable Diaper Service
3. Green Materials for Eco Friendly Design – Sustainable Materials and Green Building Products
4. Amenity Home – Modern Chic Organic Cotton Linen and Sustainable Hemp Bedding
5. Weekend Green Reads – Books on Sustainability

Tags: biodegradable, compostable, Disposable, eco friendly, Green Design, sustainable

4 Comments to Verterra Sustainable Disposable Dinnerware Plates

1. 

   I saw this on Apartment Therapy last week and thought it was a really nice. And being that I love earth tones, it would match perfectly in my apartment!
SLY on October 26th, 2009
2. 

   Haha. When I read this I was thinking of disposable white paper plates. These actually look pretty cool! I’d even buy these! Good stuff!
clumpymold on October 26th, 2009
3. 

   @SLY, I’ve tried all their products (I help connect them with the outside world) and having used tons of eco friendly plates in my day, I’ve just found they’re in a different league. As they said in the review, they’re applicable in numerous settings, since their minimalist, refined lines could fit in a holiday dinner (no dishes to do, yes!!) or cocktail parties, and definitely picnic friendly.

   Since each layer is one piece of material (vs a processed mash of many different pieces/fibers) they’re much more sturdy then, say, sugar cane based plates. I’ve found that they’re able to be gently hand washed and reused, about 5-10 times depending on what you eat on them.

   @clumpymold, Yeah I know, when you think disposable plates these are not typically what you’d come up with. They’re definitely an item of conversation when we use them. Oddball fact: They’re now used in the Statue of Liberty food stands!

   ~~~

   One other thing: They’re available in about 300 stores these days plus online, so if you use the Store Locator on the top right corner of http://www.verterra.com you may find they’re just down the street, or easily obtained online.
Paul Smith on October 26th, 2009
4. 

   Hi,

   Our factory produces biodegradable cutlery: PLA cutlery and PSM cutlery. Factory has HACCP , products have many certificates approved. USA,UK,Canada and Qustralia are our main markets. Contact : maggie@bio-sy.com Our MOQ IS 200 cartons.

   We have New PLA cutlery now. This kind of cutlery will show in December on USA markets.

   If U are interested in , feel free to contact:86512 68638462
maggiesuyuan on November 10th, 2009

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