Best Compostable Plates and Bowls for Indian Festivals and Functions

Indian festivals and functions are always a celebration of a variety of colors, music, delicious sweets, and meals. Whether these functions are a large wedding celebration, a festival of light, Diwali, or an intimate puja celebration at your home, food comes first. But with all the enjoyment it brings, one major concern - WASTE.

Plastic disposable plates and bowls are still popularly used among people, especially for large occasions. But, since they are a disaster for the environment, many people are shifting from plastic disposables to eco-friendly disposable plates.

This is your guide to the most eco-friendly compostable plates and bowls. If you are planning on celebrating an Indian festival or hosting a family function, while keeping waste to a minimum, here’s why compostable plates and bowls are a better option. 

Why Choose Compostable Plates and Bowls?

When it comes to choosing the right eco-friendly disposable plates, here’s why compostable plates are a better option: 

Sustainable:

Unlike disposable plastic plates, most compostable plates or bowls are made from sustainably sourced materials. You can go for bagasse plates or plates made from naturally fallen areca palm leaves, supporting sustainability. 

Compostable:

Compostable plates and bowls are designed to break down into compost within just a few weeks after disposal. While plastic disposable plates take years to break down and often release microplastics in the process, compostable plates break down into actual compost that can be added to soil as manure.

Safe for Food:

Most eco-friendly disposable plates are non-toxic and chemical-free, making them perfect for serving hot, oily, or spicy traditional meals. 

Aesthetically Appealing:

Besides the sustainability claims, compostable tableware also looks stunning on a table. Adding a rustic or minimalistic charm to any table setting, these plates or bowls are also planet-safe. 

Easier & Low-Waste Gatherings:

Unlike reusable utensils, compostable plates come with an easy cleanup. Simply collect them, drop them in a compost bin, and be on your way. You won't have a bunch of dirty dishes to clean after hosting a gathering.

Compostable Tableware Options To Choose From

Below are some of our personal favorite compostable plates and bowls options you can use for your next gathering: 

1. Areca Palm Leaf Plates and Bowls

 Leaf plates are made from naturally fallen leaves of areca palm trees. Besides being plant-based, these plates are also non-toxic and compostable. They are also strong and durable, allowing you to hold different kinds of meals without worrying about them buckling under pressure. These plates are perfect for gatherings like a low-waste wedding, celebrating festivals, pooja celebrations, and hosting friends at home.

Benefits:

• These plates come with a back-to-nature promise. They can break down into compost within just a few weeks of disposal-  leaving nothing but goodness behind.
• Areca palm leaf plates are strong enough to hold oily, hot, or heavy food. They are even microwave and oven-safe.
• Sustainably sourced, each plate has beautiful wood-grain-like textures, helping you match  that aesthetic at a gathering
• They are available in many sizes and shapes.

2. Sugarcane Bagasse Plate and Bowl

Sugarcane bagasse plates and bowls are disposable tableware made from upcycled sugarcane fibers. Often used as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic disposable plates, these plates are also compostable. Sugarcane bagasse plates and bowls are good for a wedding reception outdoors or indoors, festivals, or any gathering that requires some disposable and sustainable plates or bowls.

Benefits:

• Bagasse plates and bowls are compostable as they usually break down in fewer than weeks under the appropriate conditions, without leaving harmful residue.
• These compostable disposables are strong and sturdy and can withstand hot and cold food without any leakage or breakage.
• They do not leach any toxins or chemicals into the food.
• They are available in different sizes.

Conclusion

Indian festivals and events have a great cultural spirit, but do not need to create a lot of plastic waste as well. Compostable plates and bowls are a great way to make your events more responsible, without compromising on the way.

Regardless of whether you go rustic areca leaf, lightweight sugarcane bagasse or sophisticated bamboo, every switch brings us a step closer to a cleaner, greener India.

So next time when you put together a function, go for compostable disposable rather than plastic disposables. A small switch can have a significant result.