The Bottom Line
Pros
- Compostable after multiple uses.
- Everyday reusable breakfast, lunch and dinnerware.
- Oven-, microwave- and refrigerator-safe.
- Modern, wood-grain look.
- No chemicals, waxes or dyes used in production processes.
Cons
- Dish shape can become warped after multiple washings.
- Pieces can become discolored after used to serve certain foods.
- Higher up-front cost.
Description
- Product: Verterra dinnerware is made from fallen leaves that have been sanitized, steamed and shaped.
- Availability: Verterra products can be purchased at the Verterra website. Prices vary, but each dish costs approximately $1.
- Sizes: Plates and platters are available in varying 6" and 9" rectangle, square, and hexagonal shapes.
- Use: Verterra Dinnerware can be used as many as 20 times before disposal. They will naturally biodegrade within two months.
Guide Review - Verterra Dinnerware
When it comes to eco-friendly products, Verterra pretty much takes the cake. Not only are these eco-dishes made from a sustainable resource (fallen leaves) that would otherwise be burned, they're produced with no chemicals, waxes or dyes, and made by workers who are paid a fair wage. These criteria most definitely make Verterra green, but like everything there is an upside and a downside to their versatility.
The Up-Side:
While being sustainable and fairly made are great aspects of Verterra, what we liked most about them was how sturdy and sleek they were. The wood-grain look makes Verterra products an easy alternative for everyday use or even special events. And when it comes to dependability, these plates are as sturdy as they can get.
Also, we particularly liked that Verterra is good for you and the planet. Made without dyes, chemicals or waxes means harmful additives won't leech into your food, and since Verterra dishes are biodegradable, they are easily composted. And even if you don't have a composter, you're still doing less harm to the planet when you throw them out.
The Down-Side:
To be fair, Verterra dinnerware allows consumers the opportunity to cut waste by reusing the dishes 10 or more times before disposal. But who really wants to use a dish that's been stained red by last nights lasagna, or warped by a light scrubbing? It's your call, but we recommend you stick with serving less-messy meals on Verterra dinnerware; the dishes will last longer, and cleanup will be a breeze.
Looking for a few other considerations you might want to take before making a complete switch to Verterra? For one, automated composters may not take well Verterra dinnerware, since the dishes are so fibrous. Additionally, though Verterra is rumored to have cups and bowls on the market, these items can't yet be purchased through the Verterra website.
