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Parties and Picnics!

Are you planning a wedding, a Thanksgiving get-together, or a fun BBQ at the park? Take a look at the options below for sustainable and eco-friendly utensils, cutlery, paper plates, and all the other dishes necessary for everyone to enjoy their meal.


Plates - Forks - Knives

During any social gathering, food and drink is an essential element of a successful event. Everyone needs a plate and fork, and perhaps a knife or spoon. Inevitably there are a ton of dishes afterward. Paper plates, bowls, and disposable utensils are often a good solution. I have found some sustainable and compostable solutions for you.


Forks and Spoons

Bamboo Cutlery

My family really likes these when we are camping. They are a really great alternative to plastic utensils. You can wash and reuse them multiple times, and I often put them in the dishwasher with the rest of my silverware. They do eventually crack and break, but at that point you can toss them out, put them in the campfire, or put them in your compost bin.

From the Amazon description:
All-natural bamboo utensils, contain zero harmful chemicals. The packaging is 100% plasticless, and bamboo is biodegradable, compostable, and sustainable.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Sugarcane Plates

We used these for a BBQ this summer, and they work great! The plates are nice and thick, and aren't as prone to folding up when you least expect it, unlike other cheap paper plates. The set we purchased also game with forks, knives, and spoons made from cornstarch.

From the Amazon description:
The heavy duty paper party plates are made of sugarcane fiber, while knives, forks and spoons are made of cornstarch, these materials are eco-friendly, and no trees were cut down to make these compostable plates.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Sugarcane Bowls

We used these for a BBQ this summer, and they worked great! We mostly used them for chili, salad, and ice cream. These bowls are nice and thick, held up well during our family gathering. Made from sugarcane bagasse, which is a fibrous material that remains after crushing sugarcane.

From the Amazon description:
Made of all natural sugarcane fiber, these soup bowls are 100% biodegradable and completely compostable. Serve soup, salads, snacks, stews, cereal and so much more. With zero wax lining, zero bleaching and zero nasty fillers, our all natural, food-safe bowls are the most sustainable choice you can make!
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Drinking Cups

Aluminum Cups

We have a bunch of these, and really like them, especially when camping. It's a great alternative to glass cups for the kids in case they get dropped - no sharp glass to pickup! Run them through the dishwasher and they are good as new. When they get dented or crushed, just toss them in the recycle bin!

From the Amazon description:
These aluminum cups are disposable and infinitely recyclable. When finished enjoying your favorite drink, simply recycle the cup as you would an aluminum can. Made from 90% recycled aluminum content.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Compostable Cups

We haven't actually used these before, but I wanted to offer another option besides the aluminum cups because they are less expensive. From what I read, it looks like they have good reviews on Amazon.

From the Amazon description:
Clear solo cups 16 oz for cold beverages and snacks, made from plants such as corn, cassava, sugarcane, and beets. BPA-free, non-toxic, PLA eco friendly cups hold their shape and don't disentigrate when exposed to foods and liquids.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Serving Dishes

When you put dishes of food out on the table so people can serve themselves you need something that will hold up to repeated use. I personally like bamboo for this purpose because it holds up well, and typically can be washed and reused again at your next gathering.


Serving Dishes

Bamboo Serving Spoons

We have a set of these at home, and use them on a daily basis. Made from renwable and sustainable bamboo, they are bio-degradable and inexpensive. I just toss ours in the dishwasher and occasionally apply cutting-board oil to keep them from cracking. It's a win-win for my family. The set I've listed here includes several large spatulas and spoons.

From the Amazon description:
From cooking to serving, experience the complete functionality of these premium wooden spoons. Crafted from 100% organic nonstick bamboo, they won’t scratch pots or pans.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Palmleaf Serving Bowls

I was at an event last year, and the host used these large bowls to serve salad and chips to all the guests. They seemed very sturdy, potentially reusable/washable if you don't soak them in water for a long time. They have a unique, almost wood-like texture, and are much stronger and stiffer than paper bowls. A great choice if you are looking for strong, but disposable dishes.

From the Amazon description:
Made from naturally fallen Areca palm leaves, compostable party bowls are 100% natural and free from chemicals or harmful ingredients. When used, dispose of them along with food or garden waste. Easy and safe disposal into fire pits during camping trips and barbecues.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Bamboo Mini Tongs

These little tongs are great for serving olives, cheese cubes, meatballs, or any other small items you might have out as snacks during a party.

From the Amazon description:
Mini Bamboo Tongs, measures approx 6.3 inches. These are versatile solutions for all your kitchen and serving needs. Made from sustainable bamboo, these mini tongs are durable, lightweight, and easy to use.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Bamboo Appetizer Forks

This set if tiny little forks made me smile, so I just had to include them in this list. They are a great option for small appetizers and snacks when entertaining guests.

From the Amazon description:
Our small appetizer forks are crafted for a splinter-free, food-safe, and non-toxic experience. Made entirely from 100% natural bamboo, these forks ensure you can enjoy your charcuterie, fruit or desserts.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Cleaning Up After The Party

Now the party is over, and you need to pick up all the plates, napkins, and cups that people have left all over your home. Now you need some trash bags...

I have to say that bio-degradable trash bags are one of the hardest things to recommend. Most of them are thinner and split a lot easier than "real" plastic bags. I've also had issues when there is a lot of liquid in my garbage. If you are tossing out something that's really wet, I highly recommend that you get it out to your curb-side trash bin that same day.


Clean Up Trash

13 Gallon Trash Bags

These trash bags work reasonably well for most light-weight trash. They work great for my smaller bathroom trash can, or a 5-gal. bucket. While they say they are 13 gallons, I've found they don't fit my kitchen trash bin. Not recommended for anything sharp or wet.

From the Amazon description:
Premium Value: Sized (24"x32") with eco friendly toughness (10 mic). Degradable by moisture, oxygen, soil - ASTM D6954 U.S. Standard certified
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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40 Gallon Trash Bags

I use these in my large trash bin for leaves and sawdust, but branches and other sharp objects will poke holes in the bag. They work well for party cleanup, which is usually just paper plates, cups, etc.

From the Amazon description:
Premium Value: Sized (40"x46") with eco friendly toughness(14 mic). Degradable by moisture, oxygen, soil - ASTM D6954 U.S. Standard certified
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Canvas Bucket

This bucket is the bomb! Useful for everything! I keep mine in the car, it collapses down flat and stores in with my spare tire. Take it to the beach to collect trash, or shells, or fill it with sand to keep your beach blanket/towel from blowing away. When I'm camping I can fill it with dirt or water as a way to put out the campfire when I leave. Also makes a useful laundry basket or toy bin when I'm traveling.

From the Amazon description:
Heavyweight canvas. Collapsible. Carries water, tools, etc. 13"Deep X 11"Diameter
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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2-Pack Grabber Reacher

I keep one in the house, and one in the car. Very useful for getting socks that got dropped behind the washing machine. I like to bring a bucket and my grabber to pick up trash around my neighborhood when I go for a walk with the dog. And... of course they are very handy at the beach. Nobody likes to touch other peoples garbage, so the long-handled grabber is useful when you need to clean up your little patch of sand.

From the Amazon description:
The shaft is made from rust-proof lightweight aluminum and the internal wire is made from steel cable for durability and easy of use.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Featured Product

152oz. Glass Jars

These are really large! A little over one gallon, they really hold a lot of... "stuff". And they look great, with an "old-time" pioneer feel. They use the old-school lever-latch system, and have a glass top with a silicon gasket to seal them. Jars and lids can go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning! Great for storing dry pasta, cereal, or making pickles. A tried and true method that's been around since the covered wagon era.

From the Amazon description:
Storage jar is made of food-graded glass which is non-toxic, odorless and 100% BPA free. Each glass container is well sealed, equipped with a silicone gasket and a stainless steel locking clamp to make sure your food stays clean, fresh and safe while in storage.
CLICK HERE to read the full description.
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Search For...

Compostable Utensils

There are many options available for eco-friendly picnic and party supplies.

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