Eco-Friendly Advantages of Recycled Plates

Eco-Friendly Advantages of Recycled Plates
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Global Garbage Problem

In many ways we are becoming a culture that recycles more garbage, composts more organic material, and reduces more waste because of a growing awareness of the impact that each individual has on the planet. One area in which we are still having an ecological problem is in the amount of waste that is being added to the landfills, countryside and water run offs. Because most countries are so densely populated, the garbage that accumulates just from daily use is an astounding amount. In the United States alone, the EPA has estimated the annual contribution of garbage waste is over 500 million tons. Add that to the waste that is created in every single country on the planet and we have created more tons of garbage per year than there are people in the world.

There are many things we can do to help ensure that we all add less to the global garbage problem. Everything from small everyday changes to the more extreme challenge of trying not to create any waste at all helps to move us all towards the goal of less garbage. One simple and often overlooked way in which to create less waste is by purchasing only eco-friendly recycled plates. Whether they are recycled, biodegradable, disposable plates, or plates made from recycled glass, wood, or other post-consumer products, this is a way to go everyday green in the home. Learn about the advantages of using recycled plates and different options and styles to fit both your kitchen and your lifestyle.

Why Recycled Plates?

Common modern dinnerware goes through many processes from creation to your table. Different paints, glazes and tempered treatments for ceramic plates can potentially add toxins to your food. Plastic plates are filled with toxins that can leach into food when heated, and paper plates contain bleaching agents and are a significant portion of the collective garbage that we all create.

There are many advantages of recycled plates as opposed to purchasing new commercial plates. Using recycled materials is better for both your local garbage waste stations and the larger landfills. The less non-biodegradable waste we consume and throw away the better off we will all be. In using recycled plates there is no worry over what chemicals are leaching into the food that is stored and served on them. Also, by using recycled plates you are contributing to the green marketplace and therefore help in bringing awareness and a higher demand for more ecologically friendly products.

Other advantages include:

  • Recycled paper plates help to reduce the overflow of paper waste
  • Knowledge that you and your family are eating safer on toxin free or less chemically treated dinnerware
  • The ability to toss broken plates, if dinnerware is made a from biodegradable material
  • Recycled glass plates when broken can be recycled again
  • Using recycled paper plates reduces the negative effects of cutting down trees and production

Recycled plates are made from various natural materials, which are often biodegradable. Popular recycled plates are made from materials such as recycled glass and wood. There are plates created from recycled organic materials such as renewable plant cellulose and natural fibers such as coconut. Even fallen leaves have been recycled and pressed to make some of the newer lines of recycled plates. For more information on what types of recycled plates that are available in the green lifestyle market today, visit the Environmentally Safe Dinnerware article. For more information on just recycled paper plates, visit the Disposable Plates That Are Earth Friendly article.

This post is part of the series: Getting Started with Recycled Dinnerware and Stemware

Learn how to go green in the kitchen by using recycled and biodegradable dinnerware. From recycled paper to plant based plates, there are many options to choose from when serving and presenting food in an environmentally friendly way.

  1. Advantages of Purchasing Recycled Plates
  2. Environmentally Safe Dinnerware