7 Ethical & Eco-friendly Dinnerware Brands for Sustainable Kitchens
When we're setting the table we don't always stop to think what our plates, napkins, and cups are made of.
This guide explores the sustainability of dinnerware, eco-friendly materials to look for when picking out your next table setting, and a few ethical dinnerware brands to get you started.
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Are there toxic chemicals in our dinnerware?
When we think of traditional dinnerware for the most part, no.
Traditional dinnerware products are made from clays and fired at high temperatures, creating a high quality product.
As long as the clay doesn't contain lead or cadmium toxic elements it is perfectly safe to use for eating.
The FDA states if dishes are not manufactured properly, this lead can leach into food and drink that is prepared, stored, or served in the dishes.
So when you're shopping for your dishes you definitely want to make sure the dinnerware is from a trusted brand.
Is Plastic Dinnerware Sustainable?
One of the main problems with dinnerware is the mass production of plastic sets.
Plastic is made from fossil fuels, and is a product of the oil and gas industry making it a not so eco-friendly material.
This also creates a lot of waste and disposal issues. On top of the physical product it takes a lot of energy and resources to produce these plates that will most likely end up in a landfill at the end of their life.
Are Plastic Dishes Safe?
While many consumers know to stay away from BPA, BPA free doesn't exactly mean safe.
In a study from Environmental Health Perspectives they tested commercially available plastic resins and products, including baby bottles and other products advertised as bisphenol A (BPA) free, release chemicals having estrogenic activity (EA).
In the results of this study almost all commercially available plastic products sampled leached chemicals having reliably detectable EA, including those advertised as BPA free.
In some cases, BPA-free products released chemicals having more EA than did BPA-containing products.
It is reported that overtime these chemicals having estrogenic activity can cause health issues including association with various types of cancer.
Specifically when plastic dishes are heated they can give off carcinogenic toxins. These carcinogens can have an effect on the environment, wildlife, and human health.
While not exclusive to dinnerware, in general plastics have also been linked to hormone imbalances, cancer, and reproductive difficulties.
So if you have plastic dishes be wary and limit the amount of heat you expose them to. This includes heat in the dishwasher too!
What are eco-friendly dinnerware options?
There are a variety of materials used in making modern dinnerware.
From recycled materials to ceramic, there's bound to be a type of sustainable dinnerware that fits your style and tastes. Here are a few sustainable materials to consider.
Ceramic dinnerware is an affordable and popular option. If you're looking to replace your old plastic plates, consider ceramic. While they are heavier than plastic, they don't contain the same potentially harmful chemicals so ceramics make a great replacement if that was a concern for you.
Bamboo is on the rise as a trendy dinnerware choice. Not only is it biodegradable and renewable, but it's a versatile material that can be fashioned into different shapes like bowls or plates. Bamboo is also a great option for people with kids because these plates aren’t breakable! Check out our suggestion below!
Stone dinnerware offers a classic look. It is also durable and naturally non-toxic, making it an excellent choice for the green kitchen. Because stone dinnerware can be heavy, it's generally only used in specialty sets.
Dinnerware made from recycled glass is a great option and great for drinking glasses.
Many people turn to recycled plastic dinnerware for its affordability and ease of use. The process of recycling used plastics into new products requires less energy, which is better for the environment than creating new materials. However, some studies have suggested that recycled plastics can still leach out harmful chemicals.
Is dinnerware ethically made?
The dinnerware industry is one of the most mass produced in the world, and plastic plates and cups are among some of the most common items on earth. It can be difficult to know if your dinnerware is ethically made in a factory where workers are paid livable wages and treated with respect.
7 Ethical & Eco-friendly Dinnerware Brands
Here is a list of seven ethical and eco-friendly dinnerware brands to spruce up your kitchen and dining experience.
Our Place’s ethically made Dinnerware
Our Place dinnerware features high-quality ceramic options such as plates, mugs, and bowls.
The material of choice for Our Place dinnerware is sustainably made from recycled and virgin porcelain ceramic that has been produced to be 100% free from toxic elements and toxins.
To ensure Our Place dinnerware is ethically made all of their partner factories are pay above-living wages, have benefits, and are treated with respect.
Our Place validates this through regular rigorous factory visits, interviews with teams, and 3rd party audits such as BSCI, SA8000, Sedex, and ISO.
Their dinnerware sets feature fun and neutral colors and an affordable price point averaging around $40. Conscious consumers can also find sustainable non-stick pans, drinking glasses made from recycled glass, wooden spoons, and more.
Public Goods simple & affordable Dinnerware
Public Goods' plates, bowls, mugs, and mugs are made of high-fired porcelain.
Their dinnerware is free from lead and plastics and all glazes are lead and cadmium free.
Public Goods partner factory crafting their porcelain dinnerware uses co-generation technology to make sure that no heat generated during the manufacturing process is wasted.
Dispersed heat from the kiln area is captured and diverted into two uses:
As heat to dry the wet, newly-formed clay bodies to prepare them for firing
For use in electricity generation to fuel the co-generation plant that runs the air conditioning for the offices.
The porcelain dinnerware is microwave and dishwasher safe featuring a minimalist style.
Their dinnerware ranges from $25-$40 per set. Public Goods dinnerware collection also features wine glasses, drinking glasses, and tumblers made from hand-blown glass.
Zungleboo’s Dinnerware Made from Plants
Zungleboo is a family owned plant-based dinnerware brand. Their products feature bowls and plates made from corn and bamboo.
This sustainable dinnerware is created to be versatile and feature modern design.
As an eco-friendly brand, Zungleboo dinnerware contains no oil-based petrochemicals, no melamine binders nor any BPA or toxins (Lead, Cadmium, Phthalates). All products are tested to meet FDA CFR21 and California Proposition 65 standards.
The dinnerware is wrapped in neutral colors and features matte finish with no chemical coating or varnish.
Zungleboos are lightweight, shatterproof, and durable enough to last years of use.
Zungleboos are dishwasher safe and can be put in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
As materials are plant based, care should be taken in high temperatures. Zungleboo dinnerware ranges from $35-$43 per set. I’ve been enjoying the Zungleboo salad plates and bowls. Use HONEST15 for 15% off your Zungleboos.
MINNA’s Artisan Made Ceramic Dinnerware
MINNA is a tight-knit team of artists, creators, and thinkers based in Hudson, NY. This brand is a queer led business that believes in creating beautiful, ethically made products and using business to do good.
MINNA is a certified B Corporation. This marketplace is a great spot to find artisan made home goods such as rugs, pillows, furniture, bedding, art, and more.
MINNA offers handmade ceramic dinnerware ethically crafted by their artisan partners. Their collection includes beautiful plates, bowls, and mugs ranging from $32-$60.
Ekobo’s Affordable Sustainable Bamboo Dishes
If you have kids and need something that won’t break Ekobo is a great option! Ekobo’s exceptionally durable, eco-friendly bamboo fiber tableware is a pretty incredible feat of engineering.
Each piece of Ekobo’s tableware is made from raw organic bamboo sawdust — a bi-product of China’s chopstick and flooring industry.
The sawdust is collected and finely ground into a powder which, when mixed with a food-safe and non-toxic melamine binding resin, is transformed into Ekobo’s super strong BIOBU bamboo material.
Each piece is made responsibly in China where workers receive fair, living wages and work in safe conditions that adhere to fair trade standards.
Every piece of Ekobo’s tableware is durable, reusable and is made with food-safe, non-toxic 100% food-grade dyes.
All Ekobo tableware is BPA free, PVC and phthalates free and complies with all food safety standards.
Ekobo’s BIOBU is composed of FSC-certified bamboo. Their dinnerware ranges from $20-$30 a set.
Newly's Recycled glass drinking Glass sets
Newly is on a mission to repurpose unused materials, increase sustainability, and positively impact the environment by creating long lasting products for the home.
Newly’s beautiful home goods are made from 100% recycled materials. Their recycled drinking glasses and pitchers are great for hosting happy hour!
Their glasses are ethically handmade in small batches and run around $50 per set.
Conscious consumers can also find eco-friendly cutting boards made from recycled wood, sustainable serving trays, and home decor.
Costa Nova’s Recycled Stoneware Dishes
Costa Nova's Recycled Stoneware dishes are made from recycled ceramic clay sourced from their own factory in Portugal, reducing the amount of raw resources and energy required to create their innovative products.
Once they recycle unused clay in their factory, they 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, their products combine functionality with earth-friendly features. These dishes are crafted to last and ranges $40-$125.
Tips for Buying Eco-friendly Dinnerware
As a general rule of thumb, if you're ready for new dinnerware and are interested in eco-friendly options, avoid plastics and synthetics.
Other factors to consider when looking for eco-friendly dinnerware include transportation emissions caused by importing goods and the glues used in production.
There's always the option to look for dinnerware at your local thrift shop! Secondhand is sustainable too!
Hopefully this guide has given you some good options when you decide to upgrade your dishes! By making smart choices, you can minimize negative impacts associated with dinnerware.
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