Bamboo U - To-Go Ware

First of all, before jumping in to praise bamboo To-Go Ware, I just wanted to thank the lovely Kaimoana, one of Light Green's Australian friends, for reminding me to share with you concerns about the processing of bamboo to create bamboo fiber for clothing and yarn. Processing bamboo can have harmful effects, because the hearty wood has to be broken down into pulp. Read the article linked above if you'd like more information. Due to the fact that it grows much more sustainably than cotton, it's still a good alternative. Thanks, Kaimoana!

Now ... to continue talking about fun bamboo items. I've mentioned this one before, but it's worth another look, because it's awesome.

To-Go Ware sells bamboo utensil kits that you can carry with you. The kit comes with a fork, knife, and spoon, all in a handy-dandy case that you can clip onto your lunch kit or bag. It may seem a little nerdy to carry your own utensils with you, but when you think about all of the plastic (think: petroleum product!) spoons, knives, forks and sporks that end up in landfills.

To-Go Ware also offers a variety of re-usable food carriers and cups. Thanks, Jenny, for introducing me to them.

Bamboo U - Stitch Nation Yarn

Just like pandas, I'm a big fan of bamboo. It has many sustainability benefits -- it's relatively easy to grow, and involves fewer pesticides and fertilizers than other materials. Plus, it's a renewable resource. This week, I'm featuring some of my favorite bamboo products.

Today: Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe Yarn.

Knitting is a fabulous hobby. "Idle hands are the devil's work," is a favorite saying of grandmas, and knitting is like devil-repellent. However, it can be expensive, particularly if you want to use yarns made of more sustainable materials.

Stitch Nation Yarns, though, are affordable and 100% natural. Red Heart, the company that has spawned a million ugly acrylic sweaters, has partnered with Debbie Stoller (author of Stitch 'N' Bitch) to create a line of yarns made of natural materials.

I'm "wool-sensitive" (I break out in an attractive rash if wool touches my bare skin). This means that I often use yarns that are wool/acrylic blends. Most bamboo yarns are just too expensive. That's why Bamboo Ewe is so great. It is a bamboo/wool blend. It has a soft, silky sheen. And it's affordable and easy to find at common craft stores such as JoAnn Fabrics and Michael's. I love it when big companies get on the sustainability bandwagon. I don't care if they do it out of the goodness of their hearts or the fatness of their wallets. When sustainable products are available in the suburbs, I know we're going mainstream.

Bamboo U - Bass Square Paddle Brush

Have you ever wished that you had a personal hair dresser with burly forearms to give you scalp massages?

Hmm... no? Maybe that's just me.

Well, even if you haven't, you can now simulate that fabulous scalp masseuse with a hair brush! It's the Bass Large Square Paddle Brush, and it can be purchased for about $10. Not only does this brush work wonders on your hair, but it helps the environment because it is made from 100% bamboo.

Bamboo is a super-cool member of the grass family (no, not that kind of grass). It has many benefits beyond providing the setting for kung fu fight scenes.

Even in ancient China, they understood the benefits of bamboo... for kung fu fighting!

Bamboo is a renewable resource that can be grown in conditions that would thwart many other plants. It can also be used to create products that are often made from petroleum products (like hair brushes).

This week, I'm going to be featuring some fun bamboo items, but take my word for it when I say that this hair brush is one of the best.