You're careful to buy only organic food; now it's time to make how you eat it eco-friendly too. Here are some tips on how to choose all the pieces to make an eco-friendly dinner table.
DISHWARE
Cadmium and lead can still be found in some dishware sold today and it's best to avoid them. Luckily, there are lots of safer alternatives. Plates and bowls are available in a wide variety of green options and in styles to suit every taste.
Recycled Glass Made of everything from discarded window glass to old wine bottles, recycled glass makes for beautiful and unique dishware. During its creation, small bubbles will often form as pockets of air get trapped during the melting process, making for a gorgeous appearance.
Bamboo A popular green alternative because it's grown without pesticides and is quick to replenish itself, bamboo dishware is available in an array of colors, is lightweight, strong and naturally anti-microbial. Just make sure there isn't a chemical component to its manufacturing process.
Pottery Look for manufacturers whose production process meets strict environmental requirements (only requiring one firing is a good example-this cuts back on emissions) and uses only food-safe finishes.
Vintage Recycled by definition, using pre-owned dinnerware helps the environment and adds an element of history to your home. Although they weren't necessarily manufactured in a green way, purchasing pre-used dishes means no additional energy is used.
Another Option Verterra.com sells plates and bowls that are all-natural and made from leaves. Since they're made only from fallen leaves, steam, heat and pressure, there are no concerns about plastics, glues, lacquers, veneers or any toxins to leach into foods.
TABLECLOTHS & NAPKINS
Look for pieces made from organic cotton or bamboo, using low-impact natural dyes.
PLACEMATS
Green placemats can be found made of many different materials, including stones, reclaimed or sustainable wood, recycled fabric, bamboo and batik.
FLATWARE
Thrift Reusing metal flatware is probably the best choice. Thrift stores or garage sales are great places to find them. Vintage pieces can be elegant, and they don't have to be a matched set to look good.
Bamboo Bamboo is becoming a good alternative for flatware. Manufacturers have learned how to make them heat- and stain-resistant, smooth, and in a way that they don't absorb flavors.
Stainless steel One-hundred percent recyclable, stainless steel can be a good choice. Mining for iron, aluminum and other steel components is hard on the environment.
Teak Teak-handled, stainless-steel flatware can be found in numerous stores and looks great. Buy only from manufacturers who use responsibly-grown and harvested teak.
Twigs That's right, twigs; you can even find flatware made from stainless-steel with twig handles. They look great and are even dishwasher safe!
DRINKWARE
Recycled Glass Because so many people have embraced recycling, there are lots of options here using recycled glass. Whether made from old wine bottles or recycled window glass, a gorgeous selection of colors and shapes can be found.
Plastic Although plastic's not normally on a list of green products, there is drinkware to be found that is made from 100% recycled polypropylene plastic cups that are BPA free, melamine free and won't leach harmful toxins into your beverages.
One of the best things you can do when shopping for tableware is to choose items that you truly love and will want to hand down. If your pieces become family heirlooms, they'll be eco-friendly for generations.
Author Sheila Sundberg
http://www.stylishhome.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Sundberg
http://EzineArticles.com/?Setting-an-Eco-Friendly-Table&id=5809547
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