Learn about the benefits of using bamboo swaps, including their lightweight durability and biodegradability, and discover a range of bamboo swap options for everyday use. This article is a list of eco-friendly bamboo alternatives for a more sustainable and non-toxic home.
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In honor of Earth Day
Every year in April, we are reminded of the many negative impacts that humans have made on the earth, seas, and skies. Earth Day serves as a reminder of the role we play in preserving the environment and living sustainably. You don’t have to plant trees to celebrate; living sustainably starts with a few simple affordable swaps.
Switching to bamboo products leaves a smaller environmental footprint due to its rapid growth. Because bamboo is a grass, it regenerates and grows much faster than the lumber that makes most of the regular wooden and paper products found in most households. These same items derive from the great forests of the USA, Canada, and Russia, which take years to regrow while bamboo only takes a few months, making it a natural gain for tree conservation.
Not only are these grassy shoots clean for the earth, bamboo also holds antibacterial and antifungal properties within its fibers. This is due to a natural bio-agent called “bamboo kun,” which protects the stalks from the growth of microbes even in hot and humid climates. This makes bamboo products a great choice for items such as cutting boards, utensils, and even fabric, as they are a naturally hygienic and non-toxic products for close contact with your skin and food.
24 Simple Bamboo Swaps:
Kitchen
These Pamboo Bamboo disposable straws are biodegradable and sturdy. Bamboo is naturally temperature resistant, making its drinking straws perfect for hot and cold beverages. The don’t have a taste and will not dissolve in your drink like paper straws often do. This pack of 200 is an eco-concious swap that you didn’t know you needed.
This 12-piece set of ECO/EGO reusable bamboo straws are a great alternative to those of plastic and metal. They are antibacterial and easy to clean, especially with the included brush and convenient travel pouch.
Bamboo cutting boards are less porous than other woods, according to this USDA food safety guide, making them easier to clean and less likely to harbor harmful bacteria.
This 3-Piece Organic Bamboo Cutting Board Set offers 3 sizes for any appetite:
Large (18″ x 12.5″, 3.5 lbs)
Medium (14.5″ x 11.5″, 2lbs)
Small (12″ x 9″, 1.5lbs)
Each board has a convenient juice groove, making it stylish and functional. Though bamboo boards are naturally durable and long-lasting, this set comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s a perfect addition to any kitchen.
Much like cutting boards, bamboo utensils are durable and hygienic alternatives to those of less renewable resources. Unlike plastic spatulas, bamboo is heat-resistant and less likely to chip or melt. Traditional cooking utensils often contain BPA, lead, and other toxic traces that can seep into food. Bamboo is naturally chemical free, plus resistant to water damage and staining.
This 6 Piece Non-Stick Bamboo Wooden Utensils for Cooking set includes:
- 1 solid spoon
- 1 slotted spoon
- 1 soup ladle
- 1 solid turner
- 1 slotted turner
- 1 pasta server
Each unique utensil is crafted with a sleek finish and slightly heavier hold for durability and a comfortable grip. They are designed to withstand temperatures from below freezing up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 C). It even comes with a 10 year satisfaction guarantee.
This Tieralia Bamboo Kitchen Dish Brush and Sponge Set comes with 5 all natural, chemical free handy nonscratch scrubbers. It is made made with just 3 powerful materials: Bamboo, Coconut, and Hemp. These sturdy tools are a plant-based and zero-waste way to clean your dishes, pots, pans, and even cast iron.
Bathroom
Toilet paper is made from wood pulp that is often harvested from the forests of the USA, Canada, or Russia. The raw material is then tossed with chemicals and bleached to its recognizable pristine white before being dispersed into grocery store aisles. Even with responsible forest management, these trees take years to grow and repeat the cycle. Bamboo regrows in just a few months.
Cloud Paper Bamboo Toilet Paper is a 3-ply ultra soft alternative to regular TP. It is free of bleach, chlorine, and other harmful chemicals that are added to standard toilet tissue. Perfect for sensitive skin as well as septic tanks. This guilt-free alternative comes with 300 sheets per roll, making it a great value in the long run. Like their paper towels, Cloud Paper Bamboo Toilet Paper comes with plastic-free packaging.
Floss for a cause. Part of the proceeds for this Vegan Biodegradable Bamboo Charcoal Dental Floss with Refillable Glass Container go to ocean and environmental conservation. This eco-friendly set comes with 2 mint flavored bamboo charcoal spools and a reusable glass container. Unlike silk floss, this option is cruelty free and fully biodegradable with recyclable packaging.
Also available in Pick form.
This toothbrush is zero-waste from the packaging to the bristles. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 4-6 months according to The American Dental Association. It is estimated that 1 billion plastic toothbrushes, weighing a total of 50 million pounds of plastic waste, are thrown away each year by Americans alone. Switching to a bamboo option is biodegradable and microbial, making for a cleaner environment and a cleaner mouth.
This Bath Mat for Bathroom Luxury Shower is a stylish way to upgrade your bathroom with luxury and functionality. Fabric bath mats harbor moisture, bacteria, skin cells, and icky toilet spray droplets according to this New York Times article. Since bamboo is water-resistant, this bath mat is naturally fast drying and easy to clean, making for an easily ethical and hygienic swap.
Beauty
By now we know that bamboo is antibacterial and antifungal, but it is also a powerful anti-frizzing agent due to its negative charge. This BFWood Bamboo Hair Brush and Combs Set comes with 2 brushes, including a travel size, as well as a wide tooth comb for detangling and a tip tail comb for teasing and parting. It also includes a miniature travel bag for hair ties and other accessories.
These Natural Blotting Paper for Oily Skin with Bamboo Charcoal are naturally absorbent and gentle on skin. Activated charcoal has been shown to minimize the appearance of pores and help manage acne. Also, these sheets are 25% larger than the average blotting paper, making it a savior for handling that midday shine.
Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads are made to replace disposable wipes and pads that contribute to plastic waste. These pads are made of 100% renewable resources: bamboo and organic cotton, making it a zero-waste alternative to your nighttime routine.
These bamboo cotton swabs are 100% biodegradable, unlike the traditional cotton swabs with their harmful, nonrecyclable plastic handles. Much like regular Q-tips, these swaps are multi-use and ultra soft. This pack comes with 500 swabs.
Bedroom
Switching to bamboo bedding is a softer and more comfortable sleeping experience, plus its natural antibacterial properties make it a much cleaner option over cotton or synthetic sheets. It’s perfect for anyone, especially those with sensitive skin since bamboo is hypoallergenic. Bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking and thermoregulatory, keeping you cool while you sleep. Additionally, bamboo bedding is durable and long-lasting, so you can enjoy the benefits of your bedding for years to come. Overall, sleeping with bamboo bedding can help you get a better night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
Happy Earth Day!
By using bamboo products, we can reduce our carbon footprint and support eco-friendly practices. Whether it’s bamboo bedding, kitchenware, or personal hygiene items, incorporating bamboo into our daily lives is a small step we can all take towards a greener future. So let’s celebrate Earth Day by making conscious choices and taking action to protect our planet for future generations. Together, we can make a difference.
Thanks for reading!
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