Of course, it's better not to buy disposable anything. But when the need demands, may I just say what a fan I am of TerraWare compostable cutlery? These earth-friendly forks, spoons, and knives, perfect for a picnic or party where you don't have enough "real" cutlery, are nice-looking, sturdy, and made of a GMO-free cornstarch resin and will break down in your backyard compost bin in 4-6 months. Not only that, but I just found out that they're dishwasher-safe, too -- so you can use them over and over. Look for TerraWare at natural products stores (such as Whole Foods) or ask your local store to carry them.