With so much focus on reducing the amount of plastic we consume around the world, it comes as no real surprise that bamboo has taken center stage as a top alternative. Below are five of the most interesting ways in which brands are utilizing bamboo to help consumers make more environmentally-conscious choices about the products they use.
#1 – Sunglasses
When it comes to bamboo products, the future’s so bright you gotta wear shades! Back in 2012, a startup called WearPanda launched a kickstarter to produce better, more sustainable sunglasses for the masses. As a result, their Monroe Bamboo Sunglasses are still a huge hit! The FSC Certified Sustainable Bamboo frames surround 100% polarized lenses, and each pair comes with a microfiber pouch and bamboo case to keep them safe and sound. The best part? Bamboo is incredibly lightweight and durable, so these might just be the most comfortable and longest-lasting sunglasses you’ll ever own.
#2 – Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes make up a massive chunk of the plastic pollution in the world today. In fact, in the United States alone, consumers throw away more than a billion plastic toothbrushes every single year, which is equal to 50 million pounds of plastic waste. WooBamboo has come up with the perfect solution to this issue: bamboo toothbrushes. These high-quality toothbrushes are finished by hand and made from FSC Certified Sustainable Bamboo. While the bristles are made of nylon, they are recyclable in many locales. Check your local facilities for info.
#3 – Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is an essential in every household, but it’s also responsible for the destruction of forests all around the world. In fact, the Natural Resources Defense Council, or NRDC, has revealed that some of the world’s biggest brands are contributing to global warming by destroying the very trees that pull carbon from our atmosphere. Fortunately, a company called Reel is tackling this problem head-on with premium bamboo toilet paper from Repurpose! It’s made from 100% bamboo, and it’s the first eco-friendly toilet paper on the market. While you’re there, check out the other products available from the Repurpose brand, which includes everything from tableware to paper towels and more.
#4 – Straws
Plastic straws are another serious problem around the world. They are considered single-use plastic because they are designed to be used once and then discarded. However, these straws don’t just vanish when they find their way into a trash can; they sit in landfills for thousands of years, and some even find their way into waterways and wildlife habitats. Rainforest Bowls makes 100% natural bamboo straws that are sustainably sourced in Vietnam and designed to be used over and over again, and Repurpose offers a 50-pack of compostable bendy straws that are super strong and comfortable to use.
#5 – Bedding
Finally, if you really want to go all out in your search for the perfect bamboo product, sheets, pillowcases, and even pillows are excellent choices. They are easy to maintain and durable, which means they will last a long, long time if cared for properly, and they are naturally anti-bacterial, as well. Bamboo bedding also repels dust mites, so allergy sufferers can rejoice. Of course, these bamboo products are incredibly soft and silky, so you can sleep easy knowing that you’re doing your part to help the environment.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce the amount of plastic your household purchases and uses, there’s certainly no shortage of products on the market today. Whether you’re looking for replacements for single-use straws, alternatives to your disposable toothbrushes, or even a more sustainable toilet paper brand, companies around the world are doing their part to put an end to harmful consumerism.
