Usually, when at a BBQ, we expect our potato to be on our plate rather than in it. But, that’s not the case with the disposable plates and bowls made by Potatopak, a New Zealand based company which specializes in environmentally friendly disposable plates, trays and bowls made entirely of potato starch. Not only do potato plates bio-degrade quickly, they’re made without producing the toxic waste associated with foam disposable plates. According to Potatopak’s website,  all waste produced from manufacturing their products is completely organic and is fed to livestock, fish, and even worms. In fact, animals such as pigs and other livestock will eat the plates whole! So, for your next summertime picnic or BBQ, consider using disposable plates made of potato starch rather than foam. They’re even available in assorted colors. You’ll be doing the environment a favor and they’ll be a great conversation starter. If you want to send a letter to your local supermarket requesting that they carry potato starch disposable plates and bowls, Potatopak provides templates for doing so.

Those of us who are into green living are always looking for household items made from bamboo, a plentiful natural resource. I found this one at Williams-Sonoma. Bamboo absorbs excess moisture, so your asparagus spears or cabbage rolls won’t be soggy. And, this steamer has a great energy efficient bonus: two layers for steaming two foods at once. Simply line the bamboo steamer with parchment or reusable cheesecloth, fill with veggies, chicken or both and place in your wok. Having guests for a summertime barbecue? Here’s an idea for a yummy organic appetizer in a bamboo steamer. These organic frozen pot stickers are available at Central Market. Put out a spread of dipping sauces and your guests will love you!

Thanks to Design Bitch, I discovered another green boutique in LA. It’s called Visionary and is located in West Hollywood. They carry a variety of green products for the home and organic clothing. These stylish and eco-friendly Bambu Reusable Plates and cutlery sold at Visionary are a great paper plate replacement, especially now that it’s BBQ season.

Visionary
8568 1/2 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood,CA 90069
310-659-1177