Dear Eartha, nothing makes me happier than gathering with family and friends over the holiday season. But the trash created during the party really bums me out. How can we celebrate without trashing the planet?
Ah yes, the holidays are here, and I can’t wait to gather with loved ones around the table to share some delicious food. I don’t know about you, but mashed potatoes are my favorite! Whether you are doing all the cooking, hosting a potluck, or getting take-out, what you choose to eat those meals on makes a big difference. Americans throw out 25% more trash during the holidays than any other time of year, and paper plates are part of that trash. But, using grandma’s fine China is stressful because you don’t want anything to get broken. And washing plates by hand is time consuming and uses a lot of water. So, what is the answer to partying with the planet in mind? Durable dinnerware.
Benefits of Durables
What do I mean when I say durable dinnerware? Basically, plates, bowls, and platters that are made to be used, washed, and reused again – over and over. Durables are made from a variety of materials like wood, glass, stone, plastic, and clay. However, if you want the most durable of the durables, go with porcelain. Porcelain dishes are low maintenance, microwave friendly, lightweight, highly durable, and dishwasher safe. They are also a lot friendlier on your wallet than fancy China dinnerware. Unless, of course, you inherited it from grandma.
Choosing durable dinnerware also gives you the chance to show off your style. Whether you prefer classic white dishes, bold and colorful patterns, or holiday-themed designs, there’s something for everyone. If you’re feeling creative, mix and match your dinnerware creating a unique table setting every time you host a gathering. You can even pair plain plates with festive napkins or colorful tablecloths. The beauty of durable dinnerware is that you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Don’t want to deal with all the dishes yourself? Ask guests to bring their own and embrace the diversity of dinnerware at the table.
Are Paper Plates Really That Bad?
Paper plates might seem like a more environmentally friendly option – after all, they aren’t plastic. But at the end of the day, they’re still trash. Did you know that most paper plates are made of pulp from logged wood? There are some plates that use recycled paper, but that isn’t really the norm. From pulping the paper to shaping the plates, a huge amount of water is used. And when you think about creating millions, and millions, of paper plates, over time, it really adds up. Even if making and transporting porcelain plates used the same number of resources, they have the potential to be used hundreds of times, reducing the need for additional resources. Yes, you’ll still need to wash those durables, but most modern dishwashers are so efficient that they only use 3-4 gallons of water compared to the 27 gallons used to wash dishes by hand.
Buried Treasure
Durable dinnerware doesn’t need to be a huge investment either. You can find some nice options for less at thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales. Think of thrifting like embarking on a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you’re searching for sturdy plates, bowls, and serving pieces that can stand the test of time. So, grab a friend and a tote bag, put on your comfy shoes, and start hunting. Your dream dinnerware set is out there, waiting to make your next holiday table truly unforgettable! If you do end up spending a little extra on your new durable dinnerware, consider it an investment that pays off year after year.
At the end of the day, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones. Durable dinnerware helps you focus on what truly matters by reducing stress and creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. Whether it’s the sound of laughter echoing around the table or the sight of your beautiful holiday spread, these moments are worth celebrating—and durable dinnerware helps you do it in style. So, this holiday season, ditch the disposables and embrace a more sustainable, elegant, and hassle-free way to serve your feast. Your future self (and the planet) will thank you.
Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.
