Final answer:
People use alternatives like disposable cutlery and handcrafted pottery when they don't have ceramic plates and bowls, with some cultures embracing eating with hands or using natural materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
When ceramic plates and bowls are not available, individuals and cultures around the world use alternative materials. For everyday use, items like disposable cups, plates, trays, and cutlery serve as substitutes, which are handy for quick meals or take-away food. Some may also use egg cartons and packing peanuts for unconventional serving or storage solutions. Historically and in various cultures, handcrafted pottery was used, ranging from plain utilitarian designs for daily meals to highly adorned pieces for formal occasions or as status symbols. Additionally, some cultures utilized their abundant natural resources, such as clay, to create sophisticated pottery for cooking and eating, without relying on a potter's wheel, creating pieces by hand or with molds. In many cultures, eating with hands or using natural leaves or woods as serving dishes is a common practice.