Welcome back to the 12 Days of Sustainability – Day 3 where we will be discussing the environmental benefits of Bamboo Cutlery!
Bamboo cutlery is tableware made from bamboo, and they are potentially the solution to the increasing wastage problem caused by single-use plastic spoons and forks. Unlike non-biodegradable utensils that contribute to solid waste pollution, they are made from a renewable and natural material that decomposes with little impact on the environment.
Many environmentalists loved these eco-friendly bamboo utensils, but why?
Eco-Friendly
These utensils are an excellent replacement for metal or plastic ones produced with pollution-causing chemicals. On the other hand, bamboo can be grown sustainably, does not impact the environment negatively, and composts relatively fast. These fast-growing grass only takes about three years to mature, while regular hardwood takes 20 years. Their ability to grow and decompose rapidly makes them a sustainable and renewable source for kitchenware production.
Besides, plastic utensils produced with chemicals may produce harmful toxic byproducts that can contaminate food when heated.
Resistant to Stains and Odors
Reusable bamboo utensils do not absorb any odor, so they will not affect your food’s original flavor. However, while they also resist stains, colors from certain foods like turmeric and curry are still unavoidable. Just clean them thoroughly with a mild dish soap immediately after handling these foods to prevent them from permanently staining your cutlery.
Sustainability
Bamboo is highly desirable owing to their environmental conservation properties of being 100% biodegradable and decomposition properties. It can produce 35% more oxygen in comparison to trees of an equivalent mass and can absorb as much as 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year.
Other than that, it can be grown without chemical fertilisers or pesticides and little water, thanks to its pest-resistant, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Since bamboo is very lightweight, importing bamboo leaves a smaller carbon footprint compared to heavier materials such as wood.
Renewability
Bamboo based industries are growing because they can usually operate at a low cost. Bamboo can grow up to one metre a day and reaches maturity in approximately five years compared to hardwood trees which can take more than twenty years.
Restorative
Bamboo can regrow naturally from its own root system after being harvested. This means it does not have to be replanted, no soil erosion and excess tilling.
In comparison to hardwood, bamboo plants do not need to be uprooted and can be harvested by hand. Land erosion is less likely to happen because the soil around the bamboo plant is not destabilized during harvesting. Furthermore, its high adaptability to most soil conditions and climates make it useful in restoring degraded and damaged lands.
What are some of your favorite ways to #gogreen and
benefit our environment during the holidays?
