By Blythe Copeland
Great Neck, NY, USA | Mon May 18 16:30:00 GMT 2009
Going green is often about analyzing what you bring to the table—and, in the case of green dinnerware sets, we mean that literally. Organic fruits, local brews, and vegetarian dishes all taste better when served on plates and bowls from these six environmentally minded companies. So whether you prefer biodegradable, brightly colored bamboo, traditional kiln-fired ceramic, or modern recycled glass, you can dish up tasty looking green dinnerware with every meal.
Why We Like It: Designer Tom Dixon's modern Eco Ware charcoal-colored bowls, plates, and cups can be composted at the end of their lifecycle.
Eco-Factor: Made of plastic that's "80 percent bamboo bound with a water-soluble polymer," the pieces are biodegradable but don't feel like it, and meant to last at least five years.
Dinner Party: Your next barbecue
Where: Nova68
How Much: Starting at $60 for a set of bowls
Image courtesy of Nova68
Why We Like It: The muted colors and abstract waves of these recycled glass dishes from Oceana Seaglass mix and match to complement any course; try the pearl-colored triangle plates for salad, followed by the pewter square version for the main dish.
Eco-Factor: Made of recycled glass, the dishes are fired at temperatures that allow them to withstand dishwashing and microwaving. They can also be dressed up or down—preventing the need for both formal and casual china.
Dinner Party: A semi-formal affair with friends
Where: Viva Terra
How Much: From $120 for four plates
Image courtesy of Viva Terra
Why We Like It: Bambu Lacquerware bowls offer the best of both worlds: They're sustainable enough to make you feel good using them, and modern, bright, and funky enough to—well, make you feel good using them.
Eco-Factor: The bowls are hand-coiled (saving on the production footprint) from sustainable bamboo by artisans in Vietnamese villages. They are then coated with a food-safe colored lacquer made from cashew nut trees to form a dish that's environmentally friendly from the inside out.
Dinner Party: A picnic with the kids
Where: Greenfeet or at national retailers
How Much: From $12 per bowl
Image courtesy of Bambu
Why We Like It: The whimsical animal drawings on each piece in the Plates with Purpose series represent charities that benefit from 15 percent of the proceeds: choose an elephant to support the National Autism Association or a heart for the Pittsburgh chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
Eco-Factor: Manufacturer Riverside Design Group is known for its use of post-industrial/pre-consumer recycled glass, and the dishes are hand-colored and finished. Each custom-shaped piece is unique and microwave- and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Dinner Party: A fundraiser with high-rolling philanthropists
Where: Plates With Purpose
How Much: From $36 per plate
Image courtesy of Riverside Design Group
Why We Like It: The brilliant blue and intricate patters in the Tunisian Pottery collection, influenced by Spanish and Moorish design, are guaranteed conversation starters.
Eco-Factor: Global Exchange meets Fair Trade guidelines, meaning its production process is environmentally sustainable. Each handmade piece is lead- and cadmium-free and hand-painted in a studio where safe working conditions are a top priority.
Dinner Party: Al fresco dining on summer nights
Where: Global Exchange
How Much: From $12.50 for a soup bowl
Image courtesy of Global Exchange
Why We Like It: For more than 60 years, the Coupe Line from Heath Ceramics has been brightening tables with its crisp silhouette and earthy colors.
Eco-Factor: All the products from Heath Ceramics—which calls itself the "farmer's market option for dinnerware"—are handmade locally in its Sausalito, California factory. Pieces require only one firing (cutting back on emissions), meet strict environmental guidelines, and are designed to become family heirlooms that prevent future purchases.
Dinner Party: Every day staples
Where: Heath Ceramics
How Much: From $17 per plate
Image courtesy of Heath Ceramics
| CREDITS | DCL | |
| DISCOVERY SITES | Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Discovery Health | Science Channel | Planet Green | Discovery Kids | Military Channel | Investigation Discovery | Discovery Home | HD Theater | Turbo | FitTV | HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | Viewer Relations | Free Newsletters | RSS | TV FAQs |
| CORPORATE | Discovery Communications, Inc. | Advertising | Careers @ Discovery | Privacy Policy | Visitor Agreement |
