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I recently found myself researching the best eco-friendly dinnerware brands after an unfortunate Thanksgiving incident involving our dog, the in-laws, a long tablecloth, and a table full of plates and glasses! ????♂️
I was amazed to discover just how unsustainable most conventional dinner sets are, and that some can even contain a variety of nasty chemicals!
It turns out that carefully choosing what you eat from can be just as important as what you choose to eat. Fortunately, I found some excellent solutions.
Let’s Eat First And Talk Later...
Later in this article, I’ll discuss a range of eco-friendly dinnerware options in more depth. Including what to look for and what to avoid!
But first, before dinner gets cold, let’s tuck into the recommendations.
✔ Stacks Neatly for Easy Storage
✔ Women-Owned Manufacturing Collectives
✔ Hand-Glazed with Scratch-Resistant Interior
Materials: Ceramic Stoneware
They Say: We believe in the power of home cooking to bring people together. It’s why we create products that make cooking and sharing a meal easier and more joyful. Our products are designed for how we live and celebrate making (and breaking) traditions with family: given, chosen, and found.
We Say: Our Place is a brand I’ve only recently discovered, but I have a feeling I’m going to be writing about them quite a bit in the future. They have an extensive range of high-quality eco-friendly dinnerware, non-toxic cookware, and helpful kitchen tools, all in stunning colors and boasting unique design features.
However, for this article, I’ll concentrate on its range of dinnerware.
With its scratch-resistant ceramic stoneware and hand-glazed, Our Place dinnerware looks simply stunning!
I tested the Dinner Plates, Dinner Bowls, and Soup Bowls, and they rapidly went from being a test dinnerware set to taking pride of place in our daily rotation of bowls and plates.
Mrs. M chose the color SPICE (a dusky pink shade), which looks really classy. Especially when food is added to them (it really makes the greens of a salad pop!).
We’re already lining up another purchase (so we have eight of each), and I want to try a different color (maybe CORIANDER) for a bit of variety. Mrs. M needs more convincing on that first, though (she loves the pink shade we already have and wants more).
The hand-glazed scratch-resistance surface feels very robust, and I have no doubt it will stand up to the riggers of daily use.
All three items handwash beautifully with non-toxic dish soap and are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, oven safe (to 350°F), fridge and freezer safe.
In keeping with Our Place’s mission to build bigger tables, bring the disparate edges of our world closer together and celebrate all cultures in a meaningful way, this dinnerware is more than just a product…it’s a dining experience.
I couldn’t be more impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of this dinnerware (or, thanks to the numerous women-owned manufacturers Our Place partners with, should that be craftswomanship?).
Making meals with family and friends is more enjoyable when you have quality dinnerware like Our Place.
Plus, you might enjoy your food a little more, knowing that your beautiful dinnerware is helping support women and immigrant-owned businesses.
Free U.S. shipping is available on all orders over $50.
Your order will arrive quickly (stock level permitting), securely, and beautifully packaged in sustainable cardboard that’s tape-free (thanks to the clever interlocking design) and fully recyclable.
Unboxing Our Place dinnerware is a pleasure and sets your expectations from the beginning that you’re in possession of a quality product.
✔ Lead and Cadmium Free
✔ Safe and Fair Labor
✔ Recycled Packaging
Materials: Recycled ceramic clay
They Say: Costa Nova’s Recycled Stoneware Dinner Plate is made from recycled ceramic clay sourced from our own factory in Portugal, reducing the amount of raw resources and energy required to create their innovative products. Once we recycle unused clay we use a single firing system heated up to 2160 ºF, which creates a glazed surface that is resistant to both thermal and mechanical shocks, chip resistance, and everyday usage. Dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe.
We Say: EarthHero is one of my favorite online eco-friendly retailers. So, when I saw they were selling a range of non-toxic dinnerware made from recycled clay, I just had to try it.
You can view the full Costa Nova range here.
I was not disappointed! These stoneware plates, made in Portugal using recycled clay, are of the highest quality.
They’re substantial, robust, and durable. I don’t doubt that, with proper care, they will last a lifetime. Or at least until the dog grabs the tablecloth again!
Costa Nova utilizes solar power to reduce its carbon footprint. They also reuse wastewater.
As always with EarthHero, the shipping packaging was 100% sustainable (FSC-certified cardboard box sealed with recycled paper tape and packed with biodegradable, plant starch packing peanuts).
If you’re looking for quality dinner plates that have been crafted with sustainable materials, then these 11” plates from Costa Nova are a great choice.
Your dinner might just taste a little bit nicer knowing that your purchase has had a positive effect on the environment.
✔ Sustainable Bamboo
✔ No Melamine or Formaldehyde
✔ Handmade by Artisans
Materials: 100% Bamboo
They Say: Each piece of Bibol tableware is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Vietnam using sustainably harvested bamboo, water, marble powder, and natural pigment. Each piece stands on its own as a work of art. Bibol is a woman-owned company and pays its artisans fair, living wages. This handmade plate will make any meal feel elevated. Bamboo is highly durable and creates a unique tablescape for any occasion. Varnishes and paints are food-safe and solvent-free.
We Say: MadeTrade is one of my favorite eco-conscious retailers, and they’ve knocked it out of the park again with the fantastic bamboo dining range from Bibol.
You can view the full Bibol range here.
I love the Naturel plate. So simple and elegant…and non-toxic. There are no chemical nasties anywhere to be found (natural cashew tree resin is used instead of glue).
Bible offers an extensive range of dinnerware, inlcluding dinner plates, side plates, bowls and dishes, so you’re sure to find exactly what you want.
Also, by buying your items individually, rather than in a set, you’re only consuming (and paying for) when you need. Better for the planet AND your wallet!
Buying from MadeTrade gives you the peace of mind that they’ve thoroughly researched every seller on their site to ensure they’re as sustainable as possible.
It’s also reassuring that MadeTrade is Climate Neutral Certified and a member of 1% For The Planet.
Bibol is a woman-owned company. They treat their artisans fairly and pay a living wage.
As with any bamboo dinnerware, these Bang plates are only suitable for hand washing, so they're ideally paired with some eco-friendly dish soaps that are gentle on both your dishes and the environment.
Materials: Recycled glass
They Say: An enchanting whirl of blues and greens, the Phoenician Blue Cocktail Glass makes for a stunning and eco-friendly host gift! In the historic West Bank city of Hebron, master craftsmen use a secret technique to turn recycled bottles into one-of-a-kind art pieces with signature swirls. Fair trade partnerships helped a family-owned workshop gain access to new markets and revive a fading art.
We Say: I recently stumbled across Ten Thousand Villages and am so glad I did.
Just like MadeTrade and EarthHero, Ten Thousand Villages help take the guesswork out of your eco-friendly shopping by doing all the legwork for you.
Established in 1890, Hebron Glass is located in the historic West Bank city of Hebron (a part of the world well-known for its traditional glass-blowing).
You can view the full Hebron Glass range here.
Hebron Glass operates three main workshops in Hebron. It also allows artisans to work in their own homes.
Over 60 artisan work with Hebron Glass. They all earn a fair wage and enjoy safe working environments.
The result of all this is some of the best eco-friendly glassware I’ve ever seen.
This cocktail glass is stunning and will wow your guests at your next cocktail party.
The matching decanter is also a work of art.
Both are made using recycled glass bottles and a secret technique handed down through the generations.
Sustainable and secretive. I love it!
✔ Sustainable Bamboo
✔ No Melamine or Formaldehyde
✔ Bright & Colorful
Materials: Bamboo, cashew-tree resin, marble powder
They Say: Start your day off right with a bit of breakfast fruits or yogurt in these gorgeous, colorful, bamboo bowls. Each mini bowl is expertly crafted by hand by fairly-paid artisans in Vietnam. The bright colors are achieved by using natural, edible paints made from cashew-tree resin, water, and marble powder. Able to withstand temperatures up to 158℉ (70℃), these small bowls can hold everything from sauces to ice cream desserts.
We Say: This is the first time I’ve recommended an Itemerie product. But they have so many unique eco-friendly products for sale I’m pretty sure it won’t be the last.
I love that they make your buying decisions easier with their badge system.
Each of Itemerie’s earth-friendly dinnerware products is awarded one, or more, of the following categories:
These cute mini bowls are perfect for my morning granola and yogurt, and they also make great small salad bowls. The small size helps with portion control, and is ideal for kids.
✔ Handcrafted with 100% Recycled Copper
✔ Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Anti-Fungal
✔ Keep Drinks Cold
Materials: Recycled copper
They Say: Sertodo Copper has been creating gorgeous handcrafted hammered copper goods with master copper artisans in Mexico since 1997. Sertodo Copper is an international artisan cooperative with workshops in Austin, Texas and in Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacan in Mexico. The tradition of their heritage craft harkens back over 1000 years in Santa Clara del Cobre. Sertodo uses 100% recycled copper to make a product that is both functional and aesthetically awe-inspiring.
We Say: No gathering at Casa Miller is complete without at least one round of Moscow Mules. It’s my signature cocktail…and has to be served in Sertodo Copper!
This is a total luxury item. But, in my eyes, worth every penny. The ultimate in upcycled dinnerware chic!
There are plenty of less expensive options if you like the idea of sustainable copper barware but don’t want to spend over 700 bucks.
You can view the full Sertodo Copper range here.
It’s all available from Made Trade, so you know the eco-credentials are beyond reproach. Your Sertodo Copper will be delivered in recycled/recyclable/compostable packaging with the shipping emissions offset.
Materials: Corn starch, Bamboo
They Say: Timeless classic design – Smooth and sophisticated coupe design makes Zungleboo Nari Plates an all-time dinner table favorite! Comes in white ivory "Moon" color with matte finish (no chemical coating), 11" full-sized plates for healthy portions and versatile usage. Dishwasher safe (~160F) and microwave safe (~3 minutes, reheat only), worry less about making the food or cleaning after the food - just enjoy your favorite meals with Zungleboo plates and bowls!
We Say: Most bamboo/plant-based dinnerware is handwash only, and I wanted to include at least one option that was both plant-based and suitable for the dishwasher/microwave.
Step forward Zungleboo and their dishwasher/microwave safe, lightweight, and shatterproof bamboo-based plate set.
These plates are made from cornstarch-based bioplastic (PLA) mixed with bamboo.
They’re lightweight and versatile. Perfect for everyday use (especially with children), or even at picnics and cookouts.
At just over ten bucks a plate, they’re excellent value for money too.
Zundleboo does matching bowls as well. You can view the full range here.
You have more options than you probably think when it comes to what your sustainable tableware is made from.
Some of the more popular options include:
Your dinnerware should also be manufactured in a way that doesn’t have a negative impact on the people involved in its production. You need to look for brands with sustainable business practices, materials, and company ethics.
Ethical dinnerware brands will offer some, or all, of the following:
Most conventional dinnerware is made from clay that has been shaped and then heated (fired) to around 1,800°F.
The dinnerware is then often glazed and/or colored to make it more durable and aesthetically pleasing.
As long as no toxins (lead, cadmium, etc.) are present in the clay or glaze/paint then the dinnerware is perfectly safe for eating and drinking.
However, according to the FDA, toxins can find their way into your dinnerware without you knowing.
Some of the harmful chemicals you want to look out for (and avoid!) include:
There is no lead or glaze used in the production of plastic dinnerware…but can it really be classed as an eco-friendly alternative?
The case for plastic dinnerware boils down to two key questions:
Plastic dinnerware is not sustainable due to the non-renewable resources needed to make plastic.
Even if it’s reusable (which most aren't) plastic dinnerware, cutlery, and utensils will eventually have to be discarded and join the growing amount of plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic straws, etc., clogging up landfill sites.
In my article about Why Plastic Bottles are Bad I explain what BPA is and why you should avoid it.
Even if your plastic plates are BPA-free, that still doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe and non-toxic.
According to dishwashing giant Finish, “Products labeled BPA-free should still be considered before using in the dishwasher. However, some companies claim their products are BPA free, yet use similar compounds (such as BPS, BPF and BPAF) that may have similar health effects to BPA. As such, it’s best to check if the product is truly BPA-free before putting it in the dishwasher”.
Most plastic dinnerware labeled as BPA-free and dishwasher safe is probably not going to cause you any issues. However, are you prepared to take the chance? As small as it might be!
You should avoid disposable plates and dinnerware when trying to live more sustainably, it's an easy way to move towards zero waste.
However, I know for some occasions (such as travel) disposable may be the only option, so you should at least make sure you are getting compostable dinnerware, and are avoiding single-use plastic.
The SellSage Store on Amazon is an excellent place to get eco-friendly disposable dinnerware.
Some of the better disposable dinnerware options include:
The Bibol Bang Bamboo Plates and Costa Nova Recycled Stoneware Sets are the most eco-friendly dinnerware sets we tested.
Both these brands create dinnerware using responsible materials and a modern design, making them both elegant and environmentally sound.
Yes, bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly materials and bamboo plates are durable, sustainable, and relatively cheap to produce and buy.
Yes, ceramic clay minerals are naturally sourced and abundantly available, so virgin porcelain ceramic plates and tableware are considered sustainable.
However, they do break more easily than other sustainable and natural materials, and they are not easily repaired, so they need to be handled with care.
Corelle is not a brand that made my testing shortlist, but it has several sustainable options on Amazon. I especially like the playful Star Wars Doodles 6.75" Appetizer Plates, made from glass.
The mining of clay can have a negative impact on the environment. However, the small amount of clay needed for your dinnerware won’t make a massive difference in the grand scheme. Particularly if you ensure you shop with a sustainable tableware brand that ethically sources all its materials.
I’ve nothing bad to say about 100% natural bamboo fiber. It’s a wonderfully sustainable and renewable resource. The problems occur when it’s stuck together with glues containing melamine and formaldehyde.
I’ve covered a few ethical dinnerware brands in this article. All using eco-friendly materials to produce sustainable dinnerware to match our ever-improving sustainable living needs.
I’ve tried to mix it up with some pricey options and options at more affordable price points.
Sustainable living is all about buying items to last.
Investing in good quality eco-friendly dinnerware will make your meal times green for years (or even decades) to come!
A healthy home-cooked meal served on an eco-friendly plate will nourish both you and the planet.
Where do you buy your sustainable dinnerware? Which sustainably sourced materials do you like to eat off? Have I missed one of your favorite sustainable dinnerware brands? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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