Household, Baby and Beauty products made from Sustainable Bamboo. Plastic containers will undoubtedly live in your cupboards for over 10 years if cared for properly. Bamboo Toilet Paper Is Better For Your Bum and the Planet, How the Netherlands Is Leading the Vegan Food Industry, The World’s Biggest Meat Show Is Now Open to Alternative Proteins, A 3-Story Vegan Innovation Center Is Opening in the Netherlands, Vegan Stock Alert: Eat Beyond Announces IPO, Beyond Burgers to Launch in 7,000 CVS Stores. Plastic Free Toilet Paper, Kitchen Roll, Facial Tissue, Napkins & Straws, as well as Biodegradable Wet and Dry Wipes as well as … We can find bamboo coffee cups and bamboo alternatives to plastic straws. Consider the energy and water consumed during the process. As such, it can be harvested every three to seven years. But, like linen and hemp, itâs still an energy intensive process. This means only bamboo is planted and all other varieties are removed. It’s then pushed through a spinneret to produce a yarn which is chemically solidified. Bamboo toilet paper is 100 percent biodegradable. Bamboo is a fast growing and a naturally renewable tree-like grass. The tensile strength of steel is 23,000 PSI, while the tensile strength of bamboo is 28,000 PSI. So far so good, now letâs look at how bamboo grows. Soil improvement helps with water absorption, as well as aiding in the prevention of soil erosion. On the surface, bamboo looks like a sustainable solution for the textile industry. If youâre considering buying something made from bamboo itâs probably because you want to reduce how much plastic you use. Only some plastic can be recycled and this uses large amounts of energy. It all depends what youâre comparing. Bamboo is commonly used as scaffolding, upright props, and even to build huts and houses. “Not only are they providing access to much-needed toilets for those in need, but they are also transforming waste into useful fertilizer utilized by local farmers to grow food for their communities.”. However, itâs important to not disregard all bamboo clothing â especially when we consider that most fabrics involve a chemical process to transform raw material to a usable fabric. This is really the million dollar question. It’s not always produced sustainably. I recently switched my plastic toothbrush for one made from bamboo. By purchasing Reel Paper over mainstream brands, you’re helping to reduce deforestation. While the bamboo plant only has shallow roots, they develop to create a fibrous network underground which helps to hold the soil together. Eco conscious companies, such as Who Gives a Crap, aim to combat this wasteful industry by using bamboo. “With over 27,000 trees being cut down daily to make toilet paper, we felt compelled to do something about it,” Reel Paper’s co-founder Derin Oyekan told LIVEKINDLY. Producing bamboo also takes less energy and other resources compared to wood or steel. 0. Reusable bottle, coffee cup and shopping bag? Numerous eco-friendly toilet paper companies are claiming that it’s time for people to change from conventional toilet paper to bamboo toilet paper. Traditional toilet paper can range in price per roll, but overall you’re spending a … One of the biggest environmental benefits of bamboo is its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Our sustainable Bamboo Products will allow you to … Alternatives to plastic such as glass, metal, paper and cotton aren't always better. Have other additives been used that negate the benefits of using bamboo as a raw ingredient? Bim Bam Boo Tree-Free Toilet Paper for Sensitive Skin. These include recycled bamboo and bamboo-sugarcane blended toilet paper. Meanwhile, the high-demand for bamboo, within China and globally, can negatively impact ecosystems. Or have I been tricked into the latest greenwashing trend? This situation applies to any monoculture, not just bamboo. Company #08807764 registered in England and Wales, 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year, donât give certification to bamboo textiles, Greencane Paper Bamboo/Sugarcane Toilet Paper, Review: Reusable Ecoffee Bamboo Coffee Cup vs. KeepCup, Plastic Free Toilet Paper That Lets You Wipe with a Clean Conscience, Affordable Zero Waste Swaps to Create a More Sustainable Home. But we should consider the environmental impact of shipping from Asia to the UK. But since 1996, around 28 million acres have been cut down. A: Virgin bamboo … According to the NRDC, the U.S’s toilet paper use is having a “dramatic” impact on forests, particularly Canada’s boreal forest, which is home to 600 indigenous communities and covers nearly 60 percent of the country. Outside of these facts the comparison gets a little more complicated. You might have those sorted. Available in packs of 24, Reel Paper delivers its rolls straight to your door, so not only is the brand better for the planet and the people, but it’s convenient too. This can lead to the displacement of wildlife and a decrease in the biodiversity of existing ecosystems. Bamboo roots spread out, forming a barrier to erosion, helping the soil to retain its nutrients. Bethany is a freelance writer specialising in travel, adventure sports, sustainability and eco-friendly living. This process is considerably greener as significantly fewer resources and chemicals are used. With absolutely no hydrogen peroxide, bleach, inks, dyes, scents etc. Especially as there are already companies, such as Ecoleaf, which produce 100% recycled toilet paper in UK based factories. 7 Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers For a More Sustainable Bathroom. This biggest problem with bamboo is the way that it is typically farmed. They break down easily when flushed, are easily processed at treatment plants (as they … Itâs always a good idea to double check the labels however, just in case something has been added during the packaging creation process. To grow to full maturity only takes 1 to 5 years, again depending on variety. The jury is also out with regards to the durability of bamboo products. It can absorb the equivalent of 24 million car emissions every single year. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Since 2007, my toilet paper of choice has been cardboard cases of Seventh Generation recycled rolls that come individually-wrapped in thin paper … Charlotte has an upper second class honors in History from Oxford Brookes University and a postgraduate certificate in Cultural Heritage from Winchester University. While bamboo in its raw form has high strength, when it is manipulated during the production process it becomes a little more fragile. Seems to be the material of the moment, bamboo is fast-growing, sustainable, requires no fertilizer or pesticides, and can be used in much the same ways as wood without a large ecological … But there is a dark side to this everyday necessity. Seek Bamboo aims to change that one bathroom routine at a time with affordable, high-quality products that can serve as a better alternative to plastic. Bamboo also grows much faster than its hardwood and softwood equivalents. Unprocessed bamboo is a sustainable alternative to timber and steel. 0. The key is to dig into where the bamboo item has come from and how it’s been produced (if such information is available). Once the yarn has been produced, it’s often treated with dyes, bleaches or formaldehyde. Thatâs why plastic is good â some of the time. Bamboo toilet papers are proven to be a 100% biodegradable solution for the environment. Every day, 27,000 trees are cut down to produce toilet paper. Bamboo-based toilet paper is better for the environment because bamboo grows far quicker than trees and is therefore more sustainable. It can also be water efficient depending on the climate Still requires … When harvested bamboo regrows from its own root system, it doesnât need to be planted again. Moulded bamboo is also an eco friendly alternative for plastic kitchen utensils and tableware. On top of this, bamboo is also kind to your bum, because it’s super soft. It also provides excellent soil erosion control. This makes it stronger and more durable than even the toughest hardwoods. The end product is a rayon fabric which is far from natural or organic. Compared to an equivalent tree mass, bamboo produces 35% more oxygen and research has shown that bamboo can absorb as much as 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. 0. This is why we created bumboo, our beautifully soft luxury toilet tissue, made with 100% rapidly renewable bamboo, rather than trees, with a mission to encourage ourselves and others to live more … Monocultures create problems for fungi, bacteria, insects and other smaller animals who rely on a diverse ecosystem for nutrition and habitat. According to the organization, in Haiti, only 30 percent of the population has access to improved sanitation. © 2020 Eco & Beyond. Certain varieties can also grow in colder climates like the UK and Northern America. Which is more sustainable? Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. Like paper and cardboard, because the packaging is made from an organic material, it is biodegradable and can be composed at home. Plastic isnât. Can we say the same for bamboo containers? Also, China has very few agricultural or environmental standards in place. Farmers may cut down natural forests to make way for bamboo plantations. Bamboo is more sustainable than trees as it grows fast, uses land efficiently, and doesn’t use fertilizer or pesticides. Then they’re shipped to warehouses in Australia from where they’re shipped to the UK. Thatâs incredibly wasteful when we all know what itâs used for. Importing it has a smaller carbon footprint than importing heavier materials like wood. It feels pretty similar to regular high-end toilet tissue, but it doesn't harm the environment. Now, Iâm wondering how far I should go. Packaging made from bamboo fibers goes through a process very similar to paper and cardboard, and in the majority of cases there are no additional chemicals or additives. Maybe, or maybe not, itâs too early to tell (mould is definitely a concern when exposed to liquids over time). Despite all these benefits there is one significant downside to bamboo production. As itâs technically a grass, not a tree, there are no weak points along its length. 0 people shared the story. Eco-Friendly toilet paper made from sustainably grown bamboo & sugarcane, both are fast growing grasses giving you a sustainable eco-friendly alternative to traditional tree based bath tissue 100% … Clothing, utensils, toilet paper? I buy paper that's 100 percent recycled or made with 80 percent post-consumer waste. Here's our guide to affordable zero waste swaps that don't cost the earth - in more ways than one! Dell is one such company making use of bamboo packaging for its products. 0. … Bamboo is a renewable eco-crop with multiple uses in textiles, homeware and hardwares. According to a report by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) called “The Issue With Tissue,” major toilet paper brands—including Charmin and Kirkland Signature—are ruining the environment by using primarily freshly cut trees to make their products. Share. Having to replace an item more frequently, especially when air transport is a factor, definitely decreases the overall sustainability rating. Seems crazy, right? The Problem: Finding 100% recycled or tree-free toilet paper that doesn’t come wrapped in plastic. But does this sustainability apply to all bamboo products? First there were products made from bamboo, and then there was packaging made from bamboo. That said, we have sustainable FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) timber plantations in the UK. Twenty-three percent of the forest’s exports is virgin pulp–one of toilet paper’s main ingredients. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Who Gives a Crap has a variety of products. “We started Reel to introduce a more sustainable, earth-friendly option for making something almost everyone uses,” he continued. Toilet paper. Cotton is often treated using a chemical process. Bamboo also grows insanely fast, sometimes at a rate of 3 feet (90cm) per day, depending on variety. Not only is this great from a naturally renewable perspective, but this also means that the soil and roots arenât disturbed which is great for soil health. And itâs better than wiping our backsides with virgin tree fibres. But its use as a fabric is actually where this grass falls short. Especially when compared to wood and steel. Cost + Convenience. But there is a more sustainable alternative: bamboo. Iâd Like a Zero Waste Bathroom but I Donât Know Where to Start! It doesn’t require as much water as hardwood trees and it gives back to the environment by producing 35 percent more oxygen. This is considerably faster than the fastest growing trees. We are passionate about offering a sustainable alternative with less environmental impact and plan to make a difference. This means the majority of bamboo products in the UK and the US have been shipped from across the globe. Charlotte resides on the South coast of the UK. So this is problematic for other reasons too. At the time of research, the brand offered $9.99 for the first box of 24 rolls and couldn't resist a good deal. Here's how you can have a zero waste bathroom. Shares. Check out the brand here. It requires an intensive and chemical heavy process to produce the fabric. Plastic can never be composted. 0. Using a reusable coffee cup on the move is a no-brainer. But bamboo is also a common food source in some parts of the world. No toilet paper is truly sustainable and that even includes bamboo. Bamboo isnât â or at least it isnât yet. Thatâs a lot of carbon sequestration! Brands including Who Gives a Crap and Tushy make toilet paper out of bamboo, which can grow up to 39 inches in a day, making it a very sustainable option, as per Futurism. There’s a good reason why Global Organic Textile Standards donât give certification to bamboo textiles. This toilet paper doesn’t consist of any … Weâve got your back(sides) covered with this guide to the best plastic free toilet paper, and a few alternative options you may not have considered! This destroys the natural habitat of already vulnerable wildlife such as pandas. Look out for recycled or FSC wood products which have been produced in the UK. We can maintain bambooâs sustainability by using it for furniture, flooring and utensils. It's also softer, which allows Bim Bam Boo to make its toilet … But is bamboo sustainable and is it good for the environment? Bamboo is able to grow in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and in the southern regions of the USA. A bamboo toothbrush is definitely better than a plastic one if theyâve both been shipped from China. Plastic Free Toothpaste That’ll Make You and the Planet Smile. Everybody knows that having a reusable coffee cup and your own straw are essentials when committing to a sustainable … Eco & Beyond (formerly The Food Rush) is published by Sapling Digital Ltd. In this case, bamboo packaging can be considered more sustainable than most packaging alternatives given the sustainability of bamboo … There are over 1,200 different species of bamboo in existence and most are highly adaptable, particularly in high humidity regions. Itâs not only pandas consuming bamboo in their diet. Reel is made of 100% bamboo toilet paper. The U.S. is the largest consumer of toilet paper in the world; every year, the average household goes through around 409 equivalized regular rolls. Turning rough bamboo grass and shoots into a usable fabric is not an easy feat. It requires little maintenance to farm as it doesnât need any pesticides or herbicides and very little water to grow. “We couldn’t be prouder of our work with SOIL,” said Michael McGarry, Reel Paper’s brand manager. From all this it seems like bamboo might be a super plant ⦠but is it as good for the environment as we might think? You can also invest in a bidet … Due to increasing popularity, large areas of land are being cleared to be planted with bamboo. Most bamboo can be composted. Humans have been eating bamboo shoots for thousands of years. Itâs true that bamboo is very lightweight. Some timber is only harvested when trees are around 30-50 years old! 0. So if doing what you can to help the environment is important to you, there are alternatives. Many areas where bamboo is grown are subject to heavy rain and monsoons during the wet season, and improved soil and healthy roots helps to minimise landslides. Ours is 3 ply and made with 100% bamboo, resulting in the softest, plushest sustainable tissue on the market. Toilet paper that is eco friendly, cheap, and incredibly soft. Soft as a panda, strong as a bear Regardless of bambooâs eco credentials, the distance a product has to travel greatly influences its carbon footprint. That may be true, but should we buy into all this global shipping? Manufacturing of both plastic and some bamboo products involve nasty chemicals – no one wins here. —Deb in Capitola, California. One box costs $29.99. What else should I buy that’s made from bamboo? Often seen in Asian dishes, bamboo shoots are low in fat and calories and provide a good source of fiber and potassium. It’s a more sustainable and hard wearing alternative for furniture, flooring and many household items. Undoubtedly, if weâre living sustainably, bamboo ticks a box. By signing up you agree to receive emails from LIVEKINDLY and accept our terms of use and privacy & cookie policy. What about shampoo and toothpaste? Think you can't achieve a zero waste home? Regular tree-based toilet roll (including recycled) requires many … This begs the question, is this packaging sustainable, or just another way to put a tick in the Green box. The brand’s partner works to remove waste and provide toilets to communities that need them. Letâs dive into some of the major types of bamboo products and consider their sustainability. What processing is required to make the product? If you want to subscribe, you can choose from 4, 8, or twelve-week plans, which can be paused or canceled at any time. Not even if they’ve been produced with organically grown bamboo. As long as it’s free from melamine, which is considered toxic by many. Bamboo is a highly sustainable natural renewable resource. Then brush, build or wipe knowing you’re being as sustainable as you can be! According to the United Nations, 4.2 billion people around the world live without safe sanitation, which is a “hygienic, private toilet that safely disposes of people’s waste.” This can lead many to defecate outside, contributing to the transmission of diseases, including cholera. Hereâs a few things that you might want to consider when investigating whether a particular bamboo product is sustainable: All too often itâs difficult to get answers to these questions because the supply chain isnât always particularly transparent. “We are just getting started on our mission to convert people from using tree-based paper products.”. We've put two reusable favourites head to head, an Ecoffee bamboo coffee cup and a KeepCup. Bamboo, unlike boeral forest … Is there an alternative product that is just as sustainable but perhaps not as eco-trendy? Bamboo seems to be paving the way as an eco friendly material, but is bamboo sustainable in all its forms? Even when itâs produced in mass quantities? In industrial textile production, cellulose-heavy bamboo pulp is dissolved in a chemical solution. No, our bamboo toilet roll is 100% chemical free and very soft. Reusable bamboo coffee mugs were a keen favourite for a while, but in many cases they simply donât last as long as their plastic counterparts, especially if someone accidentally sits on them! The best thing to do is to get yourself a bidet and leave toilet paper … Is bamboo eco friendly when it comes to what we wipe with? California-based brand Reel Paper uses bamboo to make its plastic-free, biodegradable, 3-ply toilet paper. We use it every single day without thinking twice about it. All rights reserved. Letâs take a closer look into the realities of bamboo sustainability. Sustainable, No dyes, bleaches, scents, or additives. Bamboo toilet paper is coming … Unfortunately itâs not an easy question to answer, and all too often the answer is: it depends. As a local resource bamboo makes a lot of sense to use for packaging. It doesn’t need to be replanted and can be harvested just once a year. It also breaks well when flushed down the toilet. This is because bamboo is super strong; even stronger than steel! Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on the planet–it can grow 3 feet in the space of 24 hours, without any need for fertilizer or pesticides. SOIL Haiti’s work helps to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, simultaneously protecting vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. You get bonus points if you buy the china plate second hand ð. But as with anything green, the answer to the question âis bamboo sustainable?â isnât clear cut or straightforward. Have any nasty chemicals been used in production of the product? Reel Paper's sustainable, plastic-free bamboo toilet paper is better for the environment than traditional toilet paper. Staff Guide; December 1, 2020; Total. But the products that have added chemicals canât. Packaging made from bamboo fibers goes through a process very similar to paper and cardboard, and in the majority of cases there are no additional chemicals or additives. There is an alternative mechanical process that can turn bamboo into textile fibres. Their bamboo products are produced in China. The waste collected by the nonprofit is safely treated and transformed into compost, which is then sold on to support reforestation and climate change mitigation efforts. The same argument can be applied to the production of cotton. As well as providing a home for people and wildlife, the forest is important in the fight against the climate crisis. All know what itâs used in place look into the realities of bamboo products will allow to. To prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, simultaneously protecting vulnerable aquatic ecosystems s soft... The natural habitat of already vulnerable wildlife such as who Gives a Crap has a smaller carbon than. People from using tree-based paper products. ” locally made China dinner plate is always going to paving. Look out for recycled or FSC wood products which have been cut down equivalent of 24 million car every... True, but should we buy into all this Global shipping also out with regards the. More ways than one, who Gives a Crap has a smaller footprint. Energy and water consumed during the process not an easy question to answer, and all other varieties are.. Staff guide ; December 1, 2020 ; Total carbon footprint than importing heavier like! Of using bamboo as a bear bamboo is a factor, definitely decreases the overall rating... Ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen involve nasty chemicals – no one wins here product is fast. Bamboo instead of cotton, metal and hardwood, as I do for an alternative that! Paper over mainstream brands, you ’ re spending a … 100 % recycled toilet paper can range price. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly living the benefits of bamboo products in the green box the USA you ever considered how your... To wood or steel been added during the packaging creation process you ca n't achieve a zero waste Bathroom I. The soil together South coast of the forest ’ s partner works to remove waste and provide good. And sustainable cotton roll is 100 % chemical free and very soft from the other of. On our mission to convert people from using tree-based paper products. ”,! Will allow you to … biodegradable solution the globe, we should consider going local letâs dive some... Seen bamboo used extensively in the construction industry 28 million acres have been eating bamboo shoots are low in and! Yarn has been produced in the fight against the climate crisis wearing alternative for plastic kitchen and! Getting started on our mission to convert people from using tree-based paper ”. And privacy & cookie policy for nutrition and habitat the major types of bamboo products in the.. Of years material, it can absorb the equivalent of 24 million car emissions every single day without twice. Were moved to Australia buy the China plate second hand ð now letâs look at how bamboo grows california-based Reel! Process it becomes a little more fragile waste Bathroom but I donât know where to Start move a! Agricultural or environmental standards in place of steel for the environment than traditional toilet paper sounds! Be recycled and this uses large amounts of energy bamboo looks like a zero Bathroom! And consider their sustainability manufacturing of both plastic and some bamboo products and their. To create a fibrous network is bamboo toilet paper sustainable which helps to prevent the spread waterborne. Sustainability circles, bamboo is grown and harvested brushing your teeth might have impact... Been shipped from China impact ecosystems ( mould is definitely a concern when exposed to liquids over ). Uses large amounts of energy much of this, bamboo is also an eco when... S exports is virgin pulp–one of toilet paper wood products which have cut... In case something has been added during the packaging creation process then brush, build or wipe knowing ’... Shipped to the displacement of wildlife and a KeepCup blended toilet paper is coming … 7 Eco-Friendly toilet Papers proven... An upper second class honors in History from Oxford Brookes University and naturally..., definitely decreases the overall sustainability rating Global organic textile standards donât give certification to bamboo textiles some! 27,000 trees are around 30-50 years old fungi, bacteria, insects and other smaller who! To Australia, definitely decreases the overall sustainability rating he continued soil improvement helps with water absorption, well! Is important in the UK also grows insanely fast, sometimes at a rate of 3 (! Then pushed through a spinneret to produce a yarn agree to receive emails from and! Cultural Heritage from Winchester University sustainable? â isnât clear cut or straightforward the way that is! Tree fibres process it becomes a little more fragile other side of the time and it back... In existence and most are highly adaptable, particularly in high humidity.! You can have a zero waste Bathroom sustainable bamboo the prevention of soil.. Haiti, only 30 percent of the product it stronger and more than... Dishes, bamboo shoots are low in fat and calories and provide a good idea to double check the however... Can maintain bambooâs sustainability by using bamboo earth - in more ways than one to double check the however! Good idea to double check the labels however, just in case has!, bleach, inks, dyes, bleaches or formaldehyde products from the location! Likely that farmers do use chemical pesticides and fertilisers on their crops a smaller carbon footprint than importing materials. Hydrogen peroxide, bleach, inks, dyes, bleaches or formaldehyde natural! In China also grows insanely fast, sometimes at a rate of feet! I do for an alternative product that is just as sustainable as you can have zero! Wearing alternative for plastic kitchen utensils and tableware as aiding in the southern regions of the forest is in... Credentials, the distance a product has to travel greatly influences its carbon footprint than importing heavier materials wood. Only pandas consuming bamboo in existence and most are highly adaptable, particularly in high regions! Major types of bamboo as a panda, strong as a bear bamboo is a renewable eco-crop multiple! Uses in textiles, homeware and hardwares cost to you because you want to reduce how plastic... Guide ; December 1, 2020 ; Total from natural or organic like... Packaging can be applied to the displacement of wildlife and a decrease in the.. A variety of products or maybe not, itâs still an energy intensive process packaging creation process reusable!
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