The term dishware refers to any piece of crockery used in serving and eating food, such as a plate or a bowl. Reusable or sustainable dishware can be used again and again, while disposable dishware is designed to be used only once.
Environmental
Reusable dishware is more eco-friendly than its disposable counterpart. By using plastic or paper disposable plates you are damaging the environment by adding extra waste to landfill sites and additional resources in creating single-use products.
Cost
Research by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality found that reusable dishware users can save approximately $30 per 1,000 meals compared to disposable dishware users, making it a more cost-effective option.
Appearance and Function
Reusable plates are more visually attractive and durable than disposable ones -- after all you are unlikely to impress your guests if you serve food on flimsy paper plates at a dinner party.
Fun Fact
Modern reusable dishware can be made of glass, porcelain, clay, stone, resin and acrylic, but historically it was made from wood, pewter and even animal skulls.
