What are the benefits of bamboo cutlery?

Since the release of David Attenborough’s Blue Planet documentary, the world has become far more conscious about the plastic that we use in our day-to-day lives. Bamboo utensils in particular have become a mainstay and cornerstone of the eco-movement.

But what are the benefits of bamboo utensils? What makes bamboo cutlery better than metal cutlery sets? And what are the benefits of reusable utensils as a whole?

Benefits of bamboo utensils

Let’s start by reviewing the top 10 benefits of bamboo cutlery:

• Bamboo cutlery is environmentally-friendly

Are bamboo utensils good for the environment?

Hell yeah they are!

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world. If bamboo is grown in the right environment, it requires minimal human assistance + all of Jungle Culture’s bamboo cutlery sets are completely organic, chemical-free and plastic-free!

All of this means that when you’re using bamboo cutlery, you’re having far less impact on the planet than if you were using a machine-made cutlery set!

• Bamboo utensils are lightweight 

Going camping? Travelling? Work? Carrying a set of metal utensils could become cumbersome + unsuitable for air travel. An entire bamboo utensil set weighs roughly 110g. Approximately the same weight as a metal tablespoon.

Why pack the extra weight?

• Bamboo cutlery sets are incredibly affordable!

At just £11.49, bamboo cutlery is an incredibly affordable alternative to plastic or metal cutlery. Not only are bamboo cutlery sets cheap, they are also infinitely reusable. Over time your bamboo cutlery may even end up saving you money.

Check out this case study, where we work out how long bamboo cutlery lasts and if it’s cheaper than plastic alternatives.

Not only is bamboo cutlery cheap, if you’re holding an event, organising a wedding or throwing an eco friendly party then using wooden cutlery could even save your business money. Want to find out how much you could save? Enquire via our dedicated bamboo cutlery wholesale page.

• Bamboo utensils are reusable, long-lasting and durable!

Our reusable cutlery sets, if taken care of properly, will last a lifetime! In Asia bamboo is famed for its strength and durability and traditionally has been used as a construction material. In fact, bamboo has been proven to be up to 2-3 times stronger than traditional timber.

• Bamboo cutlery sets are sleek and stylish!

Let’s face it, plastic cutlery is just plain ugly! But with multiple colours and styles to choose from, bamboo cutlery or other types of wooden cutlery sets are a beautiful alternative to pesky plastic polluting utensils!

Bamboo cutlery sets are even thin and compact enough to fit snugly in any backpack and most handbags!

• Bamboo is natural and non-toxic

Unlike plastic or metal cutlery sets, bamboo utensils require absolutely no chemicals to make! They are 100% natural and completely non-toxic. Safe for children and adults alike!

• Bamboo utensils do not retain flavour

Flavour retention may seem like an inconsequential issue, but it’s actually a bigger deal than you think! Although certified plastic and metal is completely safe for food-contact, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t affect the flavour of your food and drink.

Have you ever thought that a coke in a styrofoam cup tastes different to coke from a can or bottle? Scientists explain why and how certain materials affect flavour in this article on Wired. The good news is that bamboo does not affect flavour and if washed after every use, it does not retain flavour from previous meals either! 

• Bamboo is recyclable and compostable

Bamboo cutlery is extremely durable, but as with all products, there will eventually come a time to throw your cutlery set away. Although some metal and plastic cutlery sets are recyclable, many sets are made from compound metals and require specialist facilities to get them back into circulation.

Bamboo cutlery is not only recyclable, but if you purchase an organic set then it’s compostable as well! If you don’t know very much about composting, check out this Youtube tutorial for beginners! 

• Using bamboo cutlery encourages other people to do more!

Sometimes all we need is a little push, a bit of gentle encouragement, a dash of boost juice! Seeing a close friend or family member changing their habits can really inspire a person to change their habits as well. Your goal may be to reduce your own waste, but you may end up helping others reduce waste too!

• Supports craftspeople in rural Vietnam 

Most importantly, using bamboo utensils helps support the income and livelihoods of those who make them. Ensure that if/when you do buy a bamboo cutlery set, it is sourced ethically and sustainably!

Jungle Culture produces bamboo cutlery at a small family-run crafts workshops in Northern Vietnam. Our cutlery is made by hand using minimal power tools. To learn more about our sourcing, click here. And to find out why we don’t grow bamboo in the UK, read our guide on growing bamboo in the UK.

How to extend the lifespan of your bamboo cutlery

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of bamboo cutlery, we’re going to give you some quick tips and tricks to keep your bamboo cutlery looking good for longer! For a full breakdown of how to care for your bamboo cutlery, check out our care guide!

Tips and tricks to extend the lifespan of your bamboo cutlery:

• Hand wash using soap and warm water after every meal
• Do not leave to soak
• Stay away from dishwashers
• Store in a cool, dry environment
• Wash your bamboo cutlery travel case - It’s machine washable
• To give your bamboo cutlery an extra layer of protection, fry it in linseed or flaxseed oil! 

What if I need to throw my bamboo cutlery away?

Luckily, your bamboo cutlery is completely recyclable and compostable! If you have a garden and are familiar with composting techniques, then Jungle Culture recommends composting as the most eco-friendly method for disposing of bamboo.

If composting isn’t your thing, we’ve created a bamboo recycling guide to answer any questions that you may have about recycling bamboo!

What other products are made from bamboo?

Bamboo utensils are not the only product made from bamboo that could help you reduce your waste. Jungle Culture produces a range of plastic alternatives made from bamboo, including our reusable bamboo razors, bamboo cleaning brushes, bamboo wooden cups, bamboo earbuds and bamboo hair brushes!

Do a little digging on Etsy or Amazon and you’ll be able to find many more fantastic bamboo products!

Let us know if you have found any interesting products made from bamboo in the comments below!