When I first came across The Bamboo Project‘s Instagram account, I was (as we all know by now!) childishly excited. They specialise in products I’ve been itching to get my hands on, and it combats a global issue that lies close to my heart. Less than two years in the food industry has shown me exactly how much single-use plastic waste is generated each day. On that note – the latest addition to my camera kit bag? No, not a new lens. Bamboo straws.
Background
Dylan and Daniella are two passionate (and super nice!) people who turned their worldly adventures into a great initiative called The Bamboo Project. After travelling Asia for a few years, they soon felt and saw the impact of single-use plastic waste and decided that they want to be part of the solution. It started small with the refusal of single-use plastic straws and water bottles, and by making tiny changes in their every day travels and lives, they realised that it’s up to us as consumers to make better choices when it comes to our purchases.
They soon decided that, although pollution is a global horror faced by billions of people and animals every day, the saying “every little bit helps” does ring true. It all starts by saying no. They realise they can’t save the entire world; but they are speedily changing mindsets which causes a powerful rippling effect through their immediate surroundings. And if we all just commit to making small changes in the way we interact with single-use plastics, we might be able to get on-top of this giant plastic pollution wave.
Why bamboo?
I think we all know by now that bamboo is just short from being a miracle material. It’s incredibly popular and in demand for use in various industries, including the food industry recently. You’ll be happy to know that The Bamboo Project‘s bamboo is sustainably sourced in Southeast Asia and is grown in panda-free zones, therefore the production processes do not endanger their habitat and afternoon snacks.
Benefits of Bamboo:
- Bamboo is said to be the fastest growing plant on the planet. In the right conditions it can grow up to 1 meter in a single day and reaches maturity in only 3 to 5 years.
- The Bamboo plant also releases 30% more oxygen and absorbs more carbon dioxide than other plants.
- Bamboo is lightweight, durable, extremely strong and of course biodegradable.
- Bamboo straws are therefore the perfect natural alternative to conventional single-use plastic straws. Each straw when cared for properly can be used over and over again.
Product reviews
We’ve all been salivating over the amazing pictures on the interwebs of smoothie bowls and bamboo straws. We’ve all wished countless times we could capture that cocktail photo with the cool straw and awesome styling. Would you be happy if I told you I know where you can get your own bamboo Instagram-famous kit from?! You can thank me later.
Dylan and Daniella of The Bamboo Project were kind enough to not only send me a pack of their reusable bamboo straws to try, but also a couple of their coconut bowls and spoons – let’s just say I had a feast styling with these awesomely natural crockery items!
Coconut bowls and spoons
I simply love natural, rustic vibes. The coconut bowls are lightweight but sturdy; pretty but oh so practical. They fit beautifully in your hand and feels indulgently wholesome.
I decided to fill these bowls (which hold the perfect serving size, by the way!) with a delicious selection of veggies for dinner; a take on the ever-popular Buddha bowl concept.
The first night I made one of my absolute most favourite meals – a bright vegetable stir fry with lemon grass wok sauce, served with egg noodles, a dash of soya sauce and thick wedges of fresh lime. For those who like a bit of fire, you can add fresh chilli, thinly sliced into rings.
I was so impressed with these bowls that I made another buddha bowl the next night – this time with basil pesto, pea and mint wild rice, roasted pumpkin and sweet potato and a selection of steamed greens and squash.
They handled the warm food very well and cleaning is a breeze. As mentioned, they are perfect for portion control and adds just this extra little something-something to your after-work dinner experience.
To eat this this rice-based meal I used my coconut spoon and I can tell you, it’s a very comfortable spoon. Now, I know that might sound strange, but in terms of the shape and “mouth-feel” this spoon is ergonomically perfectly designed to my liking.
I went on and had dessert in my coconut bowl and spoon (because there’s simply no stopping now!) – but it didn’t last long enough for me to do food styling, I’m afraid! Next time, I promise!
The bamboo straws
Now this is definitely a beach bag (and camera bag!) staple. They are simply awesome. These straws are just the right length, the right width, doesn’t leave you with a plastic-ey aftertaste in your mouth, and look super-cool, too! They come in an uber-stylish handbag-sized pouch with a cleaning brush to keep them nice and sparkly for the next use. All you have to do, is rinse with a bit of warm soapy water, scrub out the inside with the brush (especially if you used it for smoothies or drinks with fruit pulp) and leave to air-dry.
They’re most certainly conversation starters and should be on your guest list for your next pool party. They add a certain level of pizzazz to your cocktails, which you can sip with peace of mind, knowing you’re doing your bit to reduce single use plastic waste.
As you all know, with summer on our doorstep, I’m getting really excited about indulging in my favourite naughty drink, a beautiful gin and tonic! And because I like pretty things, I paired my balloon gin glasses with some food cupboard basics for garnish and these gorgeously luxurious straws for a little pre-summer gin party!
But don’t only take them out at the pool party – pop a couple in your briefcase, laptop bag, gym bag, handbag and cubbyhole – this way you have no excuse to accept that dreaded plastic straw!
The advantages, you ask? They’re washable, they’re reusable, they’re sustainable and biodegradable. They’re environmentally friendly and better for your health. And the best advantage of bamboo straws? They make killer Instagram pics.
Conclusion
Being responsible has never been so much fun. Switching over to biodegradable products, such as the coconut bowls and bamboo straws, only requires a tiny bit of effort. In fact, it requires less effort than removing the paper wrapper from a plastic straw. So, eat and drink with a conscience, because let’s face it, we all have to eat and drink! The Bamboo Project is doing so much good in our immediate surroundings that I’d urge everyone to support this amazing local business.
They currently have a summertime sale on their website – go check it out here!
Because – once you go bamboo, you’ll bid plastic adieu!
The Little Hedonist has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, I do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, menu changes, opening times, and contact details.
Disclaimer: This product formed part of a press-drop. There was no expectation for platform coverage in the form of a blog, or social media posts. This is my honest and truthful opinion and review thereof. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are solely those of The Little Hedonist, given in good faith and in no way influenced by the company or its affiliates. All images, unless otherwise stated/credited, are also my own.
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