Your paper plate is just a vehicle for your next meal, right? Well, yes, but it’s also much more than that. Did you know that there are many eco-friendly options when it comes to paper plates? And did you know that some of them can save you money in the long run? Let’s explore the world of eco-friendly paper plates together!
10 Awesome Facts About Eco-Friendly Paper Plates
They are compostable
You may have heard that these environmentally friendly plates are compostable, but what does that mean exactly? It means they can be broken down by microorganisms and turned into nutrient-rich soil.
Compostable plates come from renewable resources like cornstarch. They derive these from plants, so they don’t contribute to pollution caused by mining for minerals or destroying trees. Also, since the plates come from plant material instead of plastic (which comes from fossil fuels), they are biodegradable. They will eventually break down in a landfill instead of sitting there forever.
They are biodegradable
Biodegradable paper plates come from renewable resources, like wood pulp and recycled fibres. These materials are easy to produce in large quantities, making them an economical option for disposable goods.
But what makes a product biodegradable? Well, it means that the material will break down into compost in time. It doesn’t take too long to do so! These plates can be completely broken down into tiny pieces within six months of disposal. This is possible because they aren’t using petroleum-based plastics like their conventional counterparts; they’re using virgin fibre instead.
They present zero waste
They present zero waste. You’re probably thinking, “But I have to throw them away when I’m done eating!” But you don’t. Because they consist of plant-based materials, the plates can be composted. And that goes for the forks, spoons, and cups as well. The straws (if you choose) will biodegrade in a few months if left outside or in your backyard compost bin.
They are waterproof
You can use them at the pool or beach! Eco-friendly paper plates come from a waterproof material, so they can be used in water without becoming soggy. They’re great for picnics and barbecues, parties with lots of food, or just when you want to eat lunch outside on a sunny day.
They are more resistant to tearing
Another thing to note is that eco-friendly paper plates are thicker than regular plates. This means they’re more resistant to tearing. They’re using a different type of paper, so they won’t break or split into pieces when you use them.
They are economical
Eco-friendly paper plates are economical because you can purchase them in bulk and use them for a variety of purposes. You can buy them in bulk to save money. You can also use paper plates at special events or for everyday meals.
They are 100% food safe
You might be wondering, how are paper plates made? Eco-friendly paper plates are 100% food safe, which means they’re completely safe to eat. Many paper plates are treated with a water-resistant barrier to prevent spills and make clean-up easy as pie. The process starts with making pulp from trees. Then, different chemicals are mixed into the pulp until it becomes a thick liquid called cellulose fibre. After some squeezing, you will have a large pile of fibres that you can mould into whatever shape you want!
They come in all shapes and sizes
There are many different kinds of eco-friendly paper plates, each with its design and purpose. You can find paper plates that come from renewable resources, recycled paper, or 100% recycled paper. They come in all shapes and sizes from round to square to oval and even heart-shaped!
They are a safe alternative for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Another reason to choose eco-friendly paper plates is that they’re safe for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions. While some people can use plastic plates and utensils, others cannot because of the chemicals used to create them. Eco-friendly paper plates are an excellent replacement as they don’t contain any of these harmful chemicals!
There are no extra cleanup
You’ll love that you won’t need to worry about extra cleanup with these plates. There is no waste because you can just toss them in the compost bin. When it’s time to clean up after a party or gathering, you won’t have to worry about recycling paper plates.
Now that we know how eco-friendly paper plates are better than plastic plates, let’s discuss why they’re also better than other types of disposable plates.
9 Eco-Friendly Paper Plates You Can Use For Lunch
Better than Bamboo
Better than Bamboo Disposable Square Palm Leaf Plates are a little more expensive than other disposable options, but they come from palm leaves. This means that these plates will break down fairly quickly in the compost. Because they’re natural, they won’t have any plastic or wax coating. And there’s no chlorine bleaching involved in their production.
Earth’s Natural Alternative
Earth’s Natural Alternative Compostable Disposable Paper Plates are 100% compostable paper plates that come in a variety of colours and designs. These products do not contain any chemicals or dyes, making them safe for people with food allergies or sensitivities.
Eco Soul
You might not be familiar with the term “bagasse,” but you’ve seen it before. Bagasse is the fibrous material left over after sugar cane has been processed for its sweet juice. The main byproduct of sugar production is bagasse, which is often burned to produce energy and heat for industrial processes.
But Eco Soul has found a better use for this otherwise wasted resource: paper plates! Their Eco Soul Bagasse Paper Plates are 100% renewable and compostable. They’re using renewable resources like bagasse and recycled materials like old newspapers and cardboard boxes. They’re also chlorine-free, biodegradable, and compostable in commercial compost facilities. You should check with your local facility to see how they handle food waste.
Ecolipak
It’s not surprising that you might think of compostable plates as being a bit flimsy. After all, they come from plant material instead of plastic or foam. But Ecolipak Compostable Square Plates are strong and sturdy. These come from 100% renewable sugarcane fibres so they’re fully biodegradable and recyclable along with other paper products.
These compostable square plates are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). This ensures that your food waste will break down quickly and easily in a commercial or home composting system. Unlike other disposable products labelled “compostable,” these plates meet ASTM D6400 standards for determining whether or not something is truly biodegradable over time.
EcoSmart®
EcoSmart® Recycled Fiber Paper Plates consist of recycled fibre and are 100% biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly alternative to plastic or foam plates. They’re using post-consumer waste and have a compostable PLA coating. This means they’re fully recyclable in your home compost system or commercial facility. These paper plates are perfect for picnics, parties, and catered events because they’re disposable and won’t harm the environment.
Ecovita
EcoVita Compostable Paper Plates use 100% recycled paper. They’re 100% compostable, so they don’t use any plastic or wax. They don’t have dyes either, so they won’t leach chemicals into your food. They’re safe to use for both hot and cold foods, making them perfect for picnics or other outdoor events. These plates are compostable. Put them in your green bin with your other organic waste materials like food scraps. If you don’t have a green bin, you can compost these plates by following specific instructions provided by their manufacturers.
Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific Heavy-Weight Paper Plates consist of 100% recycled paper, and they’re using renewable resources in their manufacturing process. They don’t contain any toxic chemicals, so you can rest assured that they won’t harm the environment. These plates are compostable or recyclable, depending on your local waste management system. For example, some cities may not offer curbside recycling services for disposable tableware. In those cases, it’s best to look into drop-off locations where you can dispose of your used plates.
If you want to save even more money than what you would spend on purchasing these paper products yourself, consider asking around if anyone in your community already has some lying around that they’d be willing to donate (or sell) at cost-price!
Green Earth
Green Earth Compostable Paper Plates use renewable resources, so they’re a great choice if you want to be environmentally conscious while still staying affordable. They’re certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute. These can be used for hot or cold food, making them perfect for picnics. Plus, they’re freezer safe! If your local grocery store doesn’t stock these, ask them to order so that you can enjoy all of their benefits at home.
Hooray Mida
Hooray Mida Compostable Plates are a great choice for those looking for a sustainable alternative to plastic. They’re using 100% renewable resources and recyclable in commercial composting facilities. Each plate is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute. This means it’s free of all toxic chemicals that could leach into your food.
The plates are strong enough to hold heavy foods like lasagna and chilli. They even have a little nub so you can pick up spaghetti with your fork without spilling on your clothes! The price tag is a bit higher than other eco-friendly options such as bamboo plates or sugarcane pulp plates. We think their convenience and durability make up for it. Plus they come in both white (for hot foods) and brown (for cold ones), so there’s something for everyone!
Conclusion
Paper plates have been around for centuries, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an interesting history. There are many different types of paper plates, but we’re going to focus on the most common type: standard disposable plates made from recycled paper.
If you want to get eco-friendly with your party planning, there are plenty of ways to do it without sacrificing fun or convenience. We’ll go over all those eco-friendly paper plate options here so that when you’re ready to throw a green event, there will be no excuses left standing in our way!
Make a complete set along with these eco-friendly plates by adding, eco-friendly cutlery, utensils, cups, and bowls.