5 Best Bamboo Products for 2023

Bamboo is a versatile plant that has been used for thousands of years, for thousands of different applications. From construction and furniture to a source of pulp and fuel, bamboo has long been considered a sustainable alternative to more traditional materials, such as timber and concrete. Better yet, bamboo is a renewable resource as it can be harvested without killing the plant, and it grows back faster than other plants. It is no surprise, then, that more businesses are incorporating bamboo into their products. 

In this article, we talk a bit more about bamboo, the benefits of bamboo products, and the top bamboo products that you can invest in this year.

What is Bamboo? 

Bamboo is a fast-growing perennial plant, known for its tall, woody stems (culms). It is found in tropical and subtropical regions, with some species capable of growing up to 4 ft in just 24 hours. Despite their size, the stems are hollow which makes them lightweight and simple to transport. That said, one species does have solid culms which are used for large-scale utilisation in scaffolding, construction, poles, stakes and agricultural tools and structures.

Benefits of Bamboo Products

Here’s a look at the top benefits of products made from bamboo. 

• Sustainable: Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource as it continuously spreads and grows back fast. It also requires less water and pesticides to grow.
• Durable: Business Insider reports that tensile strength of bamboo, or the ability of bamboo to withstand stress, surpasses that of steel.
• Versatile: From buildings and furniture to clothes, cosmetics and gadgets, bamboo can (and is) used for almost everything that you can think of. Indeed, it is thought that bamboo can replace wood in almost any application.
• Antibacterial: Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-pest. It is also resistant to moisture and UV rays, meaning it can be used outdoors. 
• Produces Oxygen: Bamboo produces more oxygen, and reduces carbon dioxide faster than other plants. When you’re using it indoors, bamboo can also improve the quality of your air, and prevent mould and bacteria from forming inside your home.
• Biodegradable: When your bamboo products have reached the end of their life, you can get rid of them with zero waste. This means the environment won’t be harmed by their disposal.

Best Bamboo Products 

Here's a look at the best bamboo products that you can invest in this year. 

1. Bamboo Cotton Buds

In the UK alone it is estimated that we use 1.8 billion cotton buds every year, the majority of which are made from single-use plastic. As The Cotton Bud Project reports, high usage and widespread improper disposal has resulted in widespread microplastic pollution that impacts our oceans and environment. 

The alternative? Bamboo cotton buds. From the packaging, which is completely plastic-free and fully recyclable, to the sticks which are made from bamboo, Wild & Stone's cotton buds are biodegradable and zero waste. 

2. Bamboo Clothes Pegs

Traditional clothes pegs are made from cheap, unsustainable plastic that adds to our already large pollution problem. As well as not being able to recycle them, plastic pegs don't last which means we go through them faster and produce more waste. 

On the other hand, Wild & Stone's bamboo clothes pegs are made from FSC® certified bamboo and a durable steel spring that is designed to last. When the laundry peg does reach the end of its life, remove the steel spring and compost the bamboo for a zero waste disposal.

Looking for other ways to green your laundry? Read our full guide on how to perfect your sustainable laundry routine.

3. Bamboo Plates & Bowls

Bamboo plates for babies are good to add to your collection for more reasons than one. As well as being better for the environment, bamboo is more durable and safer than plastic platesas it won't leach plastic into food. 

Wild & Stone's bamboo plates and bowls are made from all-natural bamboo and food-grade silicone, and promise to be free from plastic and chemicals. for your peace of mind. And for other "green parenting" tips, check out our Eco-Friendly Parenting Guide.

4. Bamboo Straws

Single-use straws end up in landfills, waterways and oceans, where they can take hundreds of years to break down. This harms wildlife, and contributes to the production of harmful microplastics. Reusable straws make a great alternative as they can be used over and over again, and then composted after use.

Bamboo straws, in particular, are durable, odourless and tasteless, making them the perfect alternative to plastic. Although designed to last, these straws can be composted once they have outlived their use. 

5. Bamboo Cutlery Sets

 It is predicted that England alone uses 1.1 billion single-use plates and 4.25 billion items of single-use cutlery per year, most of which will end up in landfill.

Bamboo cutlery is a fantastic sustainable and lightweight alternative to single-use, plastic tableware, that has little to no impact on the environment. 

As well as being better for the environment, bamboo cutlery is non-toxic and chemical-free. In fact, it has natural antimicrobial properties.

And there you have it — our top bamboo product recommendations. We hope these help you to take a step towards reducing your plastic waste. Keep reading to find out more about bamboo, or shop our full collection of eco home & lifestyle products on our website. 

Bamboo FAQ

Are Bamboo Products Biodegradable?

Yes, bamboo products are biodegradable and compostable. It’s always worth checking the label on your specific product, though, as some bamboo products will contain other, non-biodegradable materials. 

How to Recycle Bamboo Products

If your bamboo product is biodegradable, you can compost it or pop it in your recycling bin — just check with your local recycling authority first. You should also make sure to remove man-made materials, such as nylon bristles on a bamboo toothbrush, before you do this. 

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Wild & Stone's mission is to create stylish, easy to adopt and usable alternatives to common plastic products around the home. We source all our products sustainably, from raw material to final delivery. Shop our full range of home and lifestyle products on our website, or get more top tips over on our sustainable living blog. 

Share your plastic-free swaps with us at hello@wildandstone.com or tag us on Instagram #wildandstone.