Did
you know that in 2015, Philippines was ranked as the third biggest plastic
polluter of the oceans? In order to solve the growing plastic problem in the
country, more and more social entrepreneurs are now taking a look at
alternative raw materials to replace plastic. One of these alternative biodegradable
materials is bamboo.
Bamboo
is an abundant resource in the Philippines and is known for its strength and
flexibility, making it an ideal material for creating innovative products that
are normally made from plastic. The following local brands are one of the
earliest innovators in the country who make products out of bamboo. These
companies also stand out because they practice fair trade in their business. Fair trade means that they practice
ethical sourcing of raw materials and ethical treatment of their workers.
1. The Bamboo Company
The
company name itself is already a testimonial that all of their products are
made from bamboo. Their initiative to start the business began when they found
out about an island in Mindanao where dolphins used to swim before the water
became polluted with plastic. It is now their mission to reduce plastic wastes
so that marine life can freely swim unharmed in clean waters.
Among
their bamboo-made products are:
Panda Charcoal Bamboo Toothbrush (Php 149)
Most
toothbrushes have handles that are made from either plastic or rubber
materials. So if an average person replaces his toothbrush every 3 months, just
imagine how much plastic waste is that!
Why
not switch to an eco-friendly toothbrush with bamboo handle? You won’t feel
guilty throwing them out since the bamboo handle is biodegradable. Its bristles
are also infused with activated charcoal which is known for effectively
removing surface stains on teeth.
LAKBAWAYAN™ Tumbler (Php 1,349)
It
is a 400 ml BPA-free, vacuum insulated tumbler that is made from bamboo. It is
a sturdy tumbler, perfect for your active lifestyle. It can keep your water
cold for up to 36 hours and hot for up to 12 hours.
Moreover,
for every LAKBAWAYAN™ tumbler you purchase,
a portion of the sale will go to Balyena.Org – a non-profit organization that aims to conserve the whales and dolphins in
the Philippines.
LAKBAWAYAN™ Bambootensils (Php 499)
If
you’re bringing your packed lunch to work, then this bamboo cutlery set is its
perfect companion. The set comes complete with spoon, fork, knife, chopsticks
and straw. A tiny brush is also included so that you can easily clean and reuse
the bamboo straw.
Online Store: https://www.thebamboocompany.ph/
2. Bayod Eyewear Philippines
If
you want to be trendy but sustainable at the same time, then handcrafted
bamboo-framed eyeglasses are a must-have fashion item. Bayod Eyewear boasts of high quality, eco-friendly and
budget-friendly bamboo-framed eyeglasses that will not only protect your eyes
but also the environment. A pair of eyeglasses also comes with a bamboo
cylinder case and an eyewear bag.
Kawajan
Series (Php 1,800)
Online Store: https://bayodph.com/shop/
3. EcoSpeaker
Aside
from plastic, another emerging threat to the environment is electronic waste
(e-waste). E-waste refers to discarded electronic devices like mobile phones,
computers, televisions, etc.
EcoSpeaker aims to reduce the e-waste problem by
introducing a sustainable bamboo speaker that can amplify sound without using
electricity. How cool is that! Their bamboo speakers are compatible with mobile
phones.
EcoSpeaker
Bamboo Docking Station (Php 699)
Online Store: https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/ecospeaker/
Social Media Channels: Facebook
4. Bambike
Who
would have thought that the flexibility of bamboo will make it the perfect raw
material to produce sustainable bicycles? Filipino-American environmentalist
Bryan McClelland saw this opportunity, so he partnered with Gawad Kalinga (a non-profit local
organization) to build Bambike
(bamboo bike). These sturdy and stylish bamboo bikes enable Filipinos to travel
the city in eco-friendly way.
The
bamboo bikes come in various designs and price range to suit everyone’s budget
and style.
Online Store: https://www.bambike.com/shop
5. Funk Trunk
Funk Trunk is another brand that focuses on using bamboo
and walnut woods in making eco-friendly products. Being a social entrepreneur,
they also collaborate with Make A Difference Travel to plant a tree for every item purchased from their store.
They
also provide free engraving service to personalize the product according to
customer preferences.
Among
their bamboo-made products are:
CLASSIC Bamboo Watch (Php 3,739)
If
your skin has allergic reaction to metal or leather materials, then wooden
watches are perfect for you! This nature-friendly watch is made of bamboo face
and wooden strap.
iPhone & Samsung Galaxy Note Phone Cases
(Php 1,030)
Protect
your mobile phones without harming Mother Nature with phone cases made with
100% responsibly sourced bamboo wood and biodegradable polycarbonate rubber brace.
Bamboo Towel (Php 326)
These
towels are made out of 100% bamboo fibers which are softer and more absorbent
than cotton. All you need is a gentle pat of this towel on your body and you’ll
be dry faster. Since they’re not synthetic fabrics, bamboo towels are also
sensitive-skin friendly.
Online Store: https://www.funktrunk.ph
Are
you ready to switch to using bamboo lifestyle products? J
P.S.
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