I first heard of using starch materials to make plastic-like wares back in 2000 during the Sydney Olympics. Six years later I find this series of cups, plates and utensils made from renewal materials that rival the quality of your less responsible plastic counterparts. Completely renewable and biodegradable.

So they must cost a fortune right? Oh how wrong you are!

Perhaps they're not exactly the epitome of high design but they are a fusion of ubiquitous form and hot new materials - and if that doesn't count for something I don't know what does!

Not only can you eat with these, you can eat THEM.

Guilt-free paper plates that really aren't paper. The cups and plates are made from "100% biodegradable, compostable sugar cane fiber (bagasse) that is a byproduct of the sugar refining process." Similar to Chinet products, this dinnerware is sturdy, heat and cold resistant, and microwaveable. Use it for casual entertaining or picnics. Utensils are made of 80% potato starch and 20% vegetable oil. (via outblush)

If you've got to do disposable for summer BBQs these are a better alternative. The plates, cups and bowls are 100% biodegradable, compostable sugar cane fiber. No styrofoam, I beg you!

Melts in the compost pile, not in your mouth!

These don't look like anything special, but looks can be deceptive (I know, right? You never say it that way, but it's better). They're made of bagasse, a sugar cane fiber. So they're biodegradable, compostable, disposable - and affordable. (price varies - $7 for pack of 50 cups, at Branch)