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I went to an event just last week that used compostable corn-made cups... They were great, and good quality cups. You could hardly tell the difference between a corn cup and a regular plastic cup... except for the little line of text around the bottom explaining they were made from corn.

I did a quick search and couldn't find the exact brand they used, but did come across this website: http://ecoproducts.com/cms/index.php

Glancing at the pricing, looks like you can get a sleeve of 50 12 ouncers for about $8.50 free shipping. They also offer plates, bowls and cutlery...

Can you request guests to bring plastic plates? If you have invited other 2-3 year olds, their parents probably have suitable plates.

Does the "Little Gym" have a kitchenette? Possibly some plastic plates you can use?

Also, you can go for paper plates and cups?

I'm still laughing about Grandma!

Rikki, you didn't say how many you're serving. If this is an option, Target has corian-type plastic dishes for around $2 each, and they can be reused.

IKEA's Kalas little kids ware is what we used for my son's birthday party at the library. They were the perfect size, colorful and cost much less than "green" disposables. Also, they are BPA-free.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50096905

These are the bowls but they have cups, plates and silverware.

Hi Everyone,

Thank you all for your lovely ideas. I am having 20 guests at the party. There isn't a kitchenette available and I am hesitant to ask other guests to bring their own plates and cups.

I am looking more into the Earthshell & IKEA products.

Loki - Did you send the Kalas items home with your guests?

Thanks again,
Rikki

The compostable options are great, but only if you intend to actually compost them- throwing them into the trash doesn't do any good, as it will take a lot longer for them to decompose in a landfill (lack of oxygen due to how much trash goes into an average landfill). Reusable is the better option, especially if you can get BPA free- consider them part of the goodie bag for the guests.

Compostable disposables are available at Whole Foods, if there is one near you.

For my daughters birthday I bought reuseable plastic plates for every one and I plan to use the for every other party. It may be harder because you aren't having a party home but what about bringing a clean can or bag where they can clean their plate at the places garbage can and throw your plate in your can. Friendly note above the cans will do the job so you don't have to tell everyone over and over.

Note that Preserve recycled plastic plates can be washed and reused several times (like next year's party). I also love the colors.

Or try to avoid plates entirely and serve those crazy cupcakes that are baked into ice-cream cones.

Rikki-

We love the fact that you are considering EarthShell plates for your birthday party.

Additional to the biodegradable/compostable elements that makes our product so special, our carbon footprint and lifecycle is really what stands us apart from the rest.

Our main raw material (potato starches) come from the BioMass from US potato chip and french fry manufacturers (NO GMO).

We are made completely in the US which compared to almost everyone else, (harvested in Thailand, manufactured in China, and shipped to the US for distribution) We believe this process eliminates the reason you purchase a green product.

There is a difference between "green" and "Green Washing"

Below are some links to some additional information on our product.

http://earthshell.com/lci.php
http://earthshell.com/News.php

Best Birthday Wishes to your Daughter from the EarthShell team!!

Re: Grandma: "Times have changed and we need to think about the environment. If you don't want to give money, please skip the wrapping." Uff.

I have EarthShell plates in the hurricane pantry but haven't actually used them. They look pretty sturdy, though.