Planning a party without having enough dishes to serve a crowd could be a problem for an environmentally responsible host. Although paper dinnerware is a practical solution, it is certainly not a green one. There is a new product on the market that makes it possible to impress your guests and still be a seriously green host: stylish compostable dinnerware.
VerTerra produces fully compostable dinnerware made from fallen leaves and water. The product is non-toxic, biodegradable, compostable, durable, lightweight, convenient and stylish.
The company was founded on the belief that it’s possible to combine high design with the highest standards of environmental responsibility. Their production process is simple: after collecting fallen leaves that would normally be burned, they apply steam, heat and pressure to transform the leaves into durable products that will naturally compost in 2 months.
It all starts on farms of palm trees grown for food and medicinal purposes. The leaves shed year-round and are one of the Earth’s largest natural waste products. Seen as a hindrance to the nourishment of their trees, the farmers remove the leaves, pour gasoline on them and burn them. That’s where VerTerra comes in. The fallen leaves are collected, cleaned and pressed into a beautiful renewable plate, bowl or tray.
The entire steam, heat and pressure process uses just 10% of the energy that standard recycled paper plates require, and over 80% of the water is recaptured and reused. No leaves are ever thrown away in the production process, either. Scraps are powdered down to usable fertilizer and returned to the farmers who supply the leaves. No trees are harvested or cut.
VerTerra is free from chemicals, glues, lacquers, bonding agents, bleaches, dyes, plastics, etc.
You can also use the plates for a microwave reheat or short bakes in the oven.
