According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, Americans use more than 100 million plastic utensils every day; multiply that by the number of other countries with similar practices, and we’ve got a worldwide environmental problem on our hands. (We really do.)
The good news is that it’s easy to do your part. Instead of using plastic cutlery from takeout orders or in the workplace lunchroom, we can invest in sustainable flatware for our homes and for when we’re on the go. Whether you’re looking at durable stainless steel, plant-based bamboo sets, or upcycled vintage forks and knives, there are plenty of options for sustainable silverware sets. Looking for the best eco-friendly utensils? Start with what you have and use it until it’s no longer useable (luckily, silverware can last a lifetime).
Sustainability starts in the home and we’ve made it easy to get started, so while you’re giving your kitchen an eco-friendly upgrade, check out our guides to recycled glassware and sustainable ceramic plates, too.
Best Overall — Etsy
Best Disposable — Package Free
Best Bamboo — Knork
1. Etsy
Materials | Includes stainless steel, bamboo, secondhand sets
Price | Varies
Etsy, a certified B Corp, is the place to find sustainable secondhand sets for that lived-in look and feel. This is the perfect place to browse vintage sets for a retro vibe, or antique sets for durability, and you can find it all here especially since there’s worldwide availability and all sorts of price points. We especially love seller BestThingSince for rescuing mismatched sets for a truly unique and sustainable flair. Once your new flatware is on the way, it’ll arrive to you using carbon-neutral shipping.
SHOP ETSY
2. Package Free
Materials | Bamboo
Price | $15/set (1 fork, 1 knife, 1 spoon, chopsticks, and case)
Whether you’re on the go, out camping, or prepping your little one for cafeteria lunches, Package Free’s bamboo utensil set is a sustainable steal at less than $15. Practical, convenient, and lightweight, this durable set made of bamboo comes in a compact carry pouch made of recycled polyester. Each set is ethically made, sustainable, and helps reduce waste—a true win-win.
SHOP PACKAGE FREE
3. Food52 Vintage Shop
Materials | Silverplate
Price | $60/set (Five-piece sinlge place setting)
For another upcycled option without the guesswork, check out The Food52 Vintage Shop. Here you can find everything from serving forks to silver-plated ice tongs, as well as French flatware that will impress at any dinner party. Since the Food52 team has sourced everything for you, every handpicked set is truly one of a kind. All you need to do is hit the “Add to Cart” button.
SHOP FOOD52 VINTAGE SHOP
4. Heath Ceramics
Materials | Stainless steel
Price | $82/set (Five-piece single place setting)
Based out of California since the 1940s, Heath Ceramics brings you everyday goods to elevate the way we eat, live, and connect. And the stainless steel flatware options here are no exception: they’re beautifully polished, functional, and hand-crafted in New York. Designed start to finish in the United States, these sustainable sets—including our favorite Muir collection—will wow dinner guests and family members alike.
SHOP HEATH CERAMICS
5. Knork
Materials | Bamboo fibers, sugar cane starch, stainless steel, titanium
Price | $9/set (3 forks, 3 spoons)
For exceptionally functional and ergonomically designed flatware, check out Knork. Made to fit the way we naturally eat, Knork’s flatware is ideal for both left- and right-handed users. Available in both the US and the UK, Knork offers sustainable flatware for every lifestyle, including titanium sets and our favorite, this eco-friendly bamboo option.
SHOP KNORK
6. Snowe
Materials | Stainless steel
Price | $95/set (Five-piece single place setting)
Produced by a family-owned factory in the heart of Italy, Snowe’s sustainable and eco-friendly flatware is a cut above the rest. Each 20-piece set includes four knives, forks, salad forks, tablespoons, and teaspoons, with gold, black satin, or classic stainless finishes. Shaped out of high-gauge stainless steel, this sustainable set is the perfect investment for anyone living solo or as a couple.
SHOP SNOWE
7. Nordic Peace
Materials | High quality stainless steel
Price | $168/set (24 pieces including knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons)
Canadian-based Nordic Peace is committed to bringing luxury products with eco-responsible practices. Their collection of high quality stainless steel flatware comes in a variety of chic finishes, including rose gold and modern black. We love that the brand is a member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of their annual sales to environmental organizations. If you’re looking for a silverware set that feels a little special and gives back, this might be the place for you!
SHOP NORDIC PEACE
8. Mepra
Materials | Stainless steel, resin
Price | $93/set (Five-piece single place setting)
If you find yourself drawn to colorful tableware, famed design house Mepra makes a set that’s calling your name. Choose from colorways like sand for a mix of soft, beachy neutrals or go for bold azure to give your tablescape a color punch. The high-resistance colored resin handles are as sturdy as wood and made to last, backed by a lifetime guarantee. Italian-made and steeped in the culture’s rich history of craftsmanship and style, this is a set that you will love for years to come.
SHOP MEPRA
9. Fable
Materials | High quality stainless steel
Price | $270/set (20 pieces including forks, spoons, and knives)
Designed in Vancouver and crafted by the Herdmar family in the Porto region of Portugal, Fable’s elegant flatware is made to last. The restaurant-quality stainless steel and (environmentally safe) PVD color finish is meant to hold up under years of dishwashing and daily use. The long-lasting design is part of the brand’s ethos to never add to single-use design waste. Fable offers a 100-day trial so you can see for yourself!
SHOP FABLE
Featured image by Heath Ceramics
