Disposable plates for a BBQ

As summer inches closer we’re all itching to get outside and enjoy the sun. What better way to celebrate than have a barbecue?

Whether or not it’s held in your garden, the same questions apply:

• How many people are coming?
• Is there enough food?
• Are there enough plates?
• Who’s going to do the washing up?

The benefits of disposable tableware

Disposable plates have come a long way from the tacky plastic and flimsy paper plates of yesterday. Some are now durable enough to be wiped down and used again. At least they no longer need to serve as instant landfill afterwards.

It’s worth noting that the water and energy needed to wash crockery used at parties or events is a mark against its otherwise environmentally friendly potential. The inevitable breakages caused by over-enthusiastic guests may also result in standard tableware going to landfill.

Knowing this, what are the options for ecologically positive disposable tableware? How do they compare to one another?

Bamboo plates

On the surface, bamboo tableware is a promising alternative. It’s a sustainable natural resource: bamboo regrows rapidly once harvested and takes up a relatively small area.

However, responsible growing is not universal among farmers. Some practise an intensive form of farming known as monocropping. This approach prioritises the cultivation of one crop (i.e. bamboo) at the expense of others, which can damage the diversity of local ecosystems.

When making bamboo tableware, a binding agent may be used to fuse the layers of bamboo together to create a solid and usable product. Melamine, the most common binding compound, has been known to cause hormonal imbalance in children. It can also lead to other negative health effects if not balanced properly.

Bagasse plates

Made from a by-product of sugarcane, bagasse is a great choice for disposable tableware as it is biodegradable and compostable.

Much like plastic, sugarcane has a fast production line, taking less than a year for reproduction. The key difference between the two is sugarcane is decomposable and much better for the environment! So, it’s a no-brainer to choose bagasse for your disposable tableware.

Paper plates

Many paper plates are treated or coated with plastic to stop grease seepage or help the plates hold their shape when wet with food. They won’t biodegrade in landfill and can’t be composted. Paper plates also become non-recyclable once soiled. Most end up in landfill where they can take up to five years to decompose.

Plastic plates

We’re all aware of the damage plastic does to the environment, though we still don’t know the full effect that consumption of microplastics through water and food will have on humans in the long run. With more and more disposable plastic products being banned, the need for eco-friendly alternatives is growing.

Bioplastic plates

Many different organic plastics are created from materials such as starches or cellulose. Being made with natural by-products, they can be composted. However, they often only break down in industrial composters; bioplastics will struggle to decompose in landfill or home compost.

The term bioplastic is often used incorrectly by companies in an attempt to ‘greenwash’ products that will break down into microplastics, which only adds to the pollution problem.

Palm leaf plates

Discarded areca palm leaves are used to make palm tableware. The leaves fall naturally from trees grown for other useful goods. This makes palm leaves an industrial waste product, to be cleared away, burned, or binned.

Harvesting an industrial ‘waste product’ preserves natural resources, while creating something beautiful and useful.

The process doesn’t involve any chemicals or binding agents: the leaves are simply harvested, washed with water, and moulded in a heat press.

Palm tableware is durable, and can hold hot and cold foods without bending or warping. The plates are great for holding sticky and oily foods, and bowls perform well when used to serve liquids like soups or stews. They can also be wiped down and re-used, and are microwave and dishwasher safe – perfect for leftovers!

Versatile palm leaf plates from FOOGO Green

Palm leaf plates from FOOGO Green are perfect for any BBQ, as they’re sturdy enough to hold all types of foods and liquids. Greasy and sticky snacks won’t seep through to your clothing, and you won’t be battling to keep them from bend by using both hands to hold them. That means you can ladle on as much BBQ sauce as you want!

Eco-friendly BBQ accessories

Need to lay out your BBQ spread to appeal to peckish guests? Our serving platters are perfect for presenting a lavish BBQ buffet that’s guaranteed to get mouths watering!

If you’re concerned that your cutlery options may still need to be environmentally unfriendly, then look no further than our birchwood knives, forks, and spoons. Made from fast-growing, sustainable wood, with no harmful chemicals, they’re completely safe to compost. Alternatively, put them straight on the BBQ or fire pit when finished.

Compostable and disposable tableware doesn’t just make things easier for hosts. It also presents a unique, rustic vibe, which provides an engaging discussion point that may even help raise awareness of eco-friendly choices among your guests!

For more information and advice about palm leaf tableware, check out our in-depth blog post on the topic. When you’re ready to explore your options, take a look at our complete range.