Disposable plates are a part of our modern lifestyle. We dispose of them after each meal and use them until they break or the packaging wears thin. However, with such an abundant supply, it’s no surprise that recycling has become a challenge. This blog post will explore the market’s most environmentally friendly plates. Find out which plates are best for you and your environment, from biodegradable materials to compostable packaging.
The Pros and Cons of Disposable Plates
Many plates are on the market, but which is the most environmentally friendly? Disposable plates can be categorised into two main groups: biodegradable and compostable.
Biodegradable plates are made from materials that decompose in the environment. The most common biodegradable plates are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch or sugarcane fibre. These plates take around six to twelve months to decompose in a landfill, but they can also break down in the soil.
Compostable plates are made from materials that bacteria can break down into natural fertilizers. The most common compostable plate is made from recycled paper and plastic. These plates take around three to six months to decompose in a landfill, but they can also break down in the soil.
The pros and cons of disposable plates depend on what you are looking for in a plate. Biodegradable plates have the advantage of being environmentally friendly, but they may take longer to decompose than compostable plates. Compostable plates are more durable but may not be as environmentally friendly as biodegradable ones.
How to choose disposable plates?
Disposable plates are popular, but what is the most environmentally friendly disposable plate? Many options are available when choosing disposable plates, and it can be difficult to determine which option is best for you. The following are some factors to consider when selecting a disposable plate:
-Environmental impact: One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a disposable plate is the environmental impact. Disposable plates have a high environmental impact due to their production and use. Some of the most environmentally friendly options available are compostable or biodegradable plates.
-Material used: Another factor to consider when choosing a disposable plate is the material used. Disposable plates can be made from paper, plastic, or metal. Each option has its associated environmental concerns. Paper plates are considered environmentally friendly because they can be recycled multiple times, while plastic and metal plates have high up-front costs but lower recycling rates.
-Personal choice: Your preference matters most when choosing a disposable plate. Some people prefer compostable or biodegradable options because they have higher environmental benefits. Others may prefer plastic or metal plates because they’re more durable and look nicer than other options.
How Disposable Plates Impact the Environment
Disposable plates are one of the most common environmental pollutants. Each year, more than 126 billion disposable plates are produced worldwide, using a staggering amount of resources like water and oil. In comparison, only 12 billion paper plates are used each year!
A single disposable plate can take up to 500 gallons of water to produce and emits more than 1,000 pounds of waste into the environment. It takes around six months for a plastic plate to decompose in a landfill, creating toxic fumes that can harm wildlife.
The best way to reduce your environmental impact when dining out is to reuse or recycle your old plates! You can even compost them if you have the space. And if you’re looking to go green, ask your server for reusable utensils instead of disposable ones—they’ll be happy to accommodate!
The Top 10 Disposable Plate Manufacturers
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to disposable plates. Some of them are more environmentally friendly than others. Here are the top 10 disposal plate manufacturers and their environmental friendliness ratings:
1. World Vision – Rated as ‘highly environment-friendly’ by the Environmental Working Group
2. China Collection – Rated as ‘very environmentally friendly by the Environmental Working Group
3. Seventh Generation – Rated as ‘environmentally friendly by the Environmental Working Group
4. PLAID – Rated as ‘environmentally friendly by the Environmental Working Group
5. Biodegradable Plate Company – Rated as ‘neutral’ by the Environmental Working Group
6. Bio plate USA – Rated as ‘moderate’ by the Environmental Working Group
7. Compostable Plate Incorporated (CCPI) – Rated as ‘moderately eco-friendly’ by the Environmental working group
8. GreenPrompts LLC – Rated as ‘not eco-friendly/low ecological impact’ by the EnvironmentalWorkingGroup
9. EcoPlates USA Incorporated (EPI) -Ratedas ‘low ecological impact/eco-friendly’bytheEnvironmentalWorkingGroup
10. Kalencom, Inc.(KAI) – Not rated
Conclusion
Disposable plates can be a huge waste of resources. One way to reduce the number of disposable plates you use is to consider what kind of dish you are serving and whether or not a reusable plate would work better. Another way to reduce your environmental impact when using disposable plates is to choose environmentally friendly materials, such as paper or bamboo. Research before purchasing to make the most efficient choice for your environment and wallet!
