Getting rid of single-use plastics has been a huge topic of discussion in the sustainability world. Metal straws, compostable bags, all of these have been popping up more and more in grocery stores and retail shops.

What is also on the rise is bamboo products. Bamboo products are popping up all over the place - dish brushes, pot scrapers, even dishes like plates and bowls. You might have even noticed that some fast food places will substitute bamboo products or wood products in replacement of their plastic cutlery!

Bamboo is very versatile and has a lot of pros when it comes to using it for reusable products. Here are our top three reasons to saying YES to bamboo products 

1. Bamboo is Durable, Strong, & Versatile 

Bamboo has been used for more than just straws and utensils. Bamboo has been used to build houses, scaffolding and so much more. It is super durable and can last a long time, which is why we are huge fans of bamboo straws or bamboo hair brushes. The material is also very lightweight, so when travelling or doing a hike on your favourite trail won’t be heavier than it needs to be.

2. Bamboo requires less water for growing and requires no chemicals/pesticides 

A lot of materials typically use a lot of water to either manufacture, or in terms of plants, for growing. Bamboo requires less water for growing AND to manufacture. Unlike a lot of plants used for materials such as cotton, bamboo does not require irrigation. It is a self-sufficient grass, that in great conditions can last up to 50 years before needing to replant..

Bamboo also thankfully doesn’t require any chemicals when you harvest it.

3. Bamboo is Fast-growing 

As bamboo is not a tree but grass, it grows extremely fast. It is the fastest-growing plant on Earth, some even being able to grow up to a metre in a day (moso bamboo in China).  Another great benefit is that you do not need to uproot it to use it. You can cut it from the shoot, just as you would cut your windowsill green onions.

 Here is an article about why bamboo grows so quickly

While there are all these pros, there has been some debate on just how sustainable bamboo is. While the product itself is pretty self-sufficient and abundant, the transportation of getting this bamboo is concerning. The carbon footprint of shipping this bamboo can be quite large, some question, is it even worth all the trouble of transporting it? That’s for you to decide.  

How to care for your bamboo straws

You can use them as long as you want. Resistant and easy to clean, these straws won’t rot or mold. 

Cleaning your bamboo straw is incredibly easy and can be done in several ways. All you need to do to clean your bamboo straw is either:

• Hand-wash with lukewarm water and soap.
• Put it in the dishwasher.
• Boil in water for 10 minutes.
• To disinfect after use: boil with vinegar and water (ratio of 1 of vinegar to 20 of water) for 10 minutes.