Reducing Plastic Use And The Benefits Of Bamboo Products

Before throwing out that 5th bottle of water, have you put any thought into the effects of plastic on the planet?

Climate degeneration has for decades been an environmental challenge and experts are continuously looking for ways to heal the planet. But the problem doesn’t get fixed there. The problem gets fixed when every person follows that advice.

In this piece, we will address some of the major effects of plastic waste and how to reduce it.

How Plastic Use Affects The World

It’s no secret that the world is heavily reliant on the use of plastics. From households to restaurants, Fast Moving Consumer Goods Companies (FMCG) which makes the battle to save our planet even tougher.

Bags, cutlery, straws, coffee cups, take-out packs etc. are some of the numerous items making up over 8 million tons of plastics that pollute our oceans and pose a threat to both wildlife and human health.

The United Nations reports that an estimated 80 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean each year.

An International environmental organisation, Oceana, reports that about 90% of animals have swallowed plastic with nearly 1,800 reported cases of entanglement.


But Plastic Must Break Down, Right?

Plastic is a petroleum by-product, it is non-biodegradable. That is, it cannot be broken down into soil components. The most degeneration a plastic material reaches is to photodegrade - it breaks down into smaller plastic components, which can even be more harmful to wildlife in cases of ingestion.

A new study published by Global Change Biology reveals that the rate of plastic consumption by marine fish has doubled in the last decade, and is increasing by 2% every year!

In the same study, it showed that 555 species of marine fish had microplastic in their system. Of that, 210 were commercially fished.

Further, studies find that the toxins given off by plastic waste are harmful to the human body when inhaled or ingested, the effect of this being diseases such as respiratory failure, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer.


Seriously, How Long Does It Really Take?

Image source: https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/the-lifecycle-of-plastics#gs.whjhu4

This infographic from WWF explains it clearly. A plastic bag, which we so easily throw away after a trip to the supermarket, will be in the sea, the land, and in landfill, for at least 20 years.

So Why Use Bamboo?

Bamboo is, in most cases, an alternative to plastic. Bamboo is gaining significant popularity amongst business owners who are making efforts to be eco-friendly, and for good reason.


Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/scenic-view-of-bamboo-trees-248812/

What Exactly Are The Benefits Of Using A Plant?

Lesser Energy Consumption During Processing
Bamboo is nature’s product, it is neither manufactured nor obtained as a by-product. The alteration process of Bamboo into usable materials requires far less effort than is required to produce plastic.

Also, while a lot of energy is consumed during the process of transforming petroleum to plastic, far less is needed to process raw bamboo to usable materials. And unlike plastics, bamboo processing does not give off harmful toxins.

Bamboo Grows Fast And Is Cheap
Bamboo is known as the fastest-growing tree on the planet. A regular tree takes about 35 years to grow, while the bamboo tree can fully mature in just 4 months!

They are also very low maintenance: require little water and do not need fertilisers to grow.

Also, because of its fast growth rate, the bamboo tree absorbs more carbon monoxide, cleaning the air as it grows.

Bamboo Is Highly Durable
The Bamboo tree has a remarkable ability to last for years. It is one of the strongest and durable woods in existence. As an alternative to plastic, Bamboo as multiple reuses and recycle value.


Bamboo Is Biodegradable
The Bamboo tree, just like any other plant upon disposal, eventually degenerates back into the soil, nourishing it.

Bamboo also has an antibacterial property (known as “Bamboo Kun”) that prevents the growth of bacteria. This property, when added to the soil, nourishes other trees and plants and reduces the need for harmful chemical treatments such as pesticides.


Bamboo Production Sustainability And Job Creation
Because Bamboo is a natural plant, it is unlikely to deplete, unlike the danger posed with the use of plastic.

We are bound to run out of petroleum at some point, which is why companies have begun seeking alternative resources.

Further, bamboo grows in various parts of the world, from Africa to Asia to America, and as such, if it were to become the main alternative to plastic use, it has the potential to create more jobs for communities around the world.

These reasons, and more, are all amazing reasons why using bamboo products are beneficial to our environment.


Our Bamboo Products

Plastic may still be enjoying the spotlight, but bamboo materials are enjoying increasing popularity. We truly believe that bamboo products and recycled materials are the future of the planet.

It starts with us. If we all purchase products that are made from sustainable materials, large companies that produce plastic will be forced to change. They too will be making, and investing, in sustainability, which is always a good thing.

 

 

  
Interdental Brushes

Both the I-shaped and L-shaped interdental brushes are made from 100% natural sustainably-grown bamboo. The natural biodegradable handle helps you reduce the use of plastic.
Both come in a variety of sizes to suit all mouth types.
As well as the product itself, the packaging for these interdental products are recyclable.

 

 

 
Bamboo Toothbrushes


Our bamboo toothbrushes have the same great quality as a standard plastic toothbrush.
Though to be honest, we prefer these. The solid handle has a subtle radius to the handle that makes it incredibly comfortable to use.
The bristles are very high quality, while the unique shape of the bristles allow it to reach all areas of the mouth.
The splinter resistant handle can simply be thrown into the compost when done!
Our toothbrushes also come in children sizes with 2 great colours, family packs, couple packs, and with charcoal bristles.