Example of tropical palm leaf plates made from fallen leaves of the Indian tropical betel nut Areca palm tree. They are claimed to be eco-friendly, compostable and biodegradable. Wooden cutlery No chemicals or harmful ingredients should be found in in the manufacture of natural and organic wooden forks, spoons and knives which can be considered as compostable and biodegradable. Woods such as walnut, birch, cherry, maple, sycamore etc, are frequently employed.