Hi!

I’m guessing you’ve found your way here because you have some questions about bamboo utensils!

If I had to guess, I would say that you are one of the millions of kind-hearted people who worries about your environmental impact, and you are looking for ways to reduce plastic waste. Fantastic, and welcome!

You have definitely found the right place - I am going to answer every question you have about bamboo utensils (and probably some that you didn’t even know that you had!)

Ok - are you ready?

Let’s get started!

First, let’s take a look at why it’s important to use a different type of utensil. Most of us are very familiar with plastic to-go cutlery - probably too familiar, we would say!

Did you know that 6 million tons of non-durable plastics are dumped every year in the United States alone?

Non-durable means that this isn’t the sturdy stuff that is made to be reused for decades, but those flimsy spoons that come with your takeout, the containers themselves, bags - even some clothing!

While 300 million tons of plastic is put into circulation every year, 85% of that plastic is not recycled.

What goes to the landfill rarely stays there - as much as 80% of trash in the ocean got there from the land, and 90% of that is plastic.

I know - these are not nice statistics to read. It’s tough to know that this is happening - but if each person cuts down or eliminates their plastic consumption, then we would be well on our way to solving this problem!

Perhaps you have heard of the zero waste movement. You might even be a proud member of it (and if so, good job! We’re proud of you!)

This is a fast-growing group of people who are doing everything in their power to create absolutely zero waste - no packaging, no plastics, nothing.

You might have seen some of them on YouTube, showing that they could fit their entire year’s trash in one 16-ounce jar.

This type of living can certainly help put a dent in the amount of plastics in the world by making sure it doesn’t exist in the first place. It’s a mix of personal responsibility and voting with your dollars.

We’re a part of that movement. We create solutions with little or no waste so that consumers - you - can find products that you need without creating more plastic waste in the world!

One of the best ways to do that is to use bamboo to replace plastic.

Bamboo has emerged as a sort of wonder solution to a whole mess of problems caused by plastics and other non-biodegradable materials.

This rapidly growing grass (yes, it really is a type of grass!) can grow as much as five feet a year, reaching maturity between 3 and 5 years.

Compare that to wood - it takes almost 30 years for a tree to reach maturity before it is harvested.

You could harvest bamboo between 6 and 10 times in that time span! It releases 35% more oxygen than the same amount of trees, helps prevent soil erosion and is a carbon neutral plant.

It also can be used to create anything from diapers to clothing to bridges to fuel to cutlery!

That’s right - bamboo cutlery, and at Eco Roots, we just happen to have the most darling bamboo cutlery set out there.

A fork, spoon, knife, chopsticks and straw, all with a handy roll to keep them safe. It’s a perfect alternative to plastic cutlery!

You shouldn’t have to give up aesthetics to help make the world a better place - so we make sure our products are both cute and great for the planet!

Where can I use bamboo cutlery?

If you’re wondering where you can use bamboo flatware, the answer really is ‘Where can’t you?’

Bamboo utensils can be used for almost everything - are you having a dinner party for 6 but only have utensils for 4?

Are you going on a road trip, and don’t know where you’ll be stopping on the way and want to make sure you don’t have to use plastic?

Perhaps the family is organizing a camping weekend, and you know you’re going to have to have some utensils for Aunt Tallulah’s famous 7 layer dip!

You never really know what situations are going to come up during the day, so you could put a pack of bamboo travel utensils in your backpack, purse or car and just leave them there, just like you do with reusable shopping bags or that handy umbrella - just in case you need them!

Are bamboo utensils reusable?

They sure are! These handy tools will be by your side for the long run - provided that you care for them in the right way.

Is bamboo cutlery safe?

It is! Bamboo cutlery is nontoxic, and exactly as safe as metal cutlery - as long as you make sure to keep them clean.

Is bamboo flatware sanitary?

It’s more than sanitary - did you know that bamboo is naturally antibacterial?

This means that your bamboo utensils are actively working to keep you healthier!

Is bamboo cutlery dishwasher safe?

Bamboo cutlery is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to hand wash them, ideally just after using them.

How do I care for bamboo cutlery?

As we mentioned just above, you’ll have to hand wash your cutlery. It’s not great to leave them dirty for any amount of time, and you’ll also want to avoid letting them soak in water.

That’ll reduce their lifetime.

Hand wash and then leave to dry completely, and you’ll be using these guys for a good long while.

Will my bamboo cutlery get stained or warped?

Bamboo is both heat, water, and stain resistant! You’re not going to have to worry about your utensils changing shape or turning yellow from that yummy curry last night.

Can I recycle bamboo utensils?

You sure can! Once your utensils have reached the end of their lifespan, you simply compost them.

How long does bamboo cutlery take to decompose?

Although it depends on the exact conditions, most bamboo cutlery decomposes completely in less than 3 months. How cool is that?

How does using bamboo cutlery reduce waste in the long run?

There are actually a few ways that using bamboo utensils reduces waste.

The first is perhaps the most obvious - if you’re using bamboo cutlery, you’re not using (and then throwing away) plastics! That is one less fork, knife or spoon that will make its way into the ocean.

Being able to say ‘No thank you, I have my own cutlery’ is an amazing way to make sure that you, as a consumer, are not adding to the plastic problem.

The second is that, by showing that there is a demand for reusable and eco-friendly products, you are helping send a message to big corporations. They say that voting with your dollars is one of the ways to make change happen - and we agree! It’s certainly not the only way to make a change, but it’s one thing that you can consistently do every day to show where your priorities are. And big companies will listen, once there are enough people saying the same thing!

By rejecting plastics, especially in packaging, in single-use forms, and in non-durable forms, you are sending a clear message to these companies: ‘I do not want plastic in my life!’ - and we think that they are beginning to listen. From straw bans to bag bans, we’re seeing a real reduction in these type of products. It’s slow, incremental change, but it is change nonetheless, and we’re excited to be leading a part of that!

The third way is that using bamboo itself is really helping to reduce waste. Instead of using metal or wood, using bamboo is the absolute most eco-friendly material that is being produced at the moment. Bamboo, being a grass, doesn’t need to be replanted. It is harvested and then new shoots come up from the roots left in the ground. It doesn’t require fertilizers or pesticides and doesn’t need irrigation either. The amount of waste that is involved in planting and caring for trees that are then harvested some 30 years later to make wooden utensils is astonishing - and is something that just doesn’t get created when growing bamboo.

Where can I buy bamboo utensils?

Now that you know all the great reasons that you should buy bamboo utensils, the question becomes ‘Where should I buy bamboo cutlery?’ Well - from Eco Roots!

Eco Roots is a company founded and run from Colorado by a couple - and it all started when we discovered how much plastic waste was happening each year.

Dismayed by the idea of what humans are doing to the earth, we decided to make a business selling plastic free and zero waste products.

That’s right - everything that we as a company make puts ZERO plastic into the world.

We at Eco Roots believe that you should not have to give up aesthetics when you decide to go green, so the products all are both adorable and eco-friendly.

The bamboo utensil kit is a great example of being both cute and good for the earth.

A handy little roll-up set, it has a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, and your own bamboo straw - a detail you will just love!

The roll keeps the cutlery nice and safe without taking up a ton of room in your bag.

Buying bamboo utensils is a great way to make a positive impact, but make sure that you buy from a company that shares your values!

If you’re trying to vote with your dollars but purchase from a company that promotes wasteful packaging or products, you won’t be able to make as big of a difference.

Small companies like Eco Roots are an ideal place to buy from, not only because you’re getting a cute product and reducing plastic waste, but also because you’re supporting a small business.

Well! This should have answered every question you have about bamboo cutlery, as well as a few that you probably didn’t have.

With that, we’ll wish you happy eating - with non-plastic cutlery, of course!

 Did you know that 2 billion disposable razors are thrown away every year?

That’s right, billion with a B.

It’s an unbelievable amount of waste - and disposable razors, despite being made of plastic, are not recyclable!

So, what is an environmentally conscious babe supposed to do when she wants zero waste shaving?

Should you sacrifice silky smooth legs for the sake of a sea turtle? Should you grow out your hair for the good of the gorillas?

Luckily, you don’t have to! With an eco-friendly safety razor, you can cut out the plastic while looking great.

Safety razors are the perfect environmentally friendly shaving solution for women who want to make sure that their beauty regime doesn’t hurt the planet, and they just so happen to be cheaper than disposable razors in the long run.

You might have seen your grandpa using one of these guys - before we used plastic for everything, safety razors were the go-to shavers. Your grandma probably used one too!

With one replaceable, and - most importantly - recyclable blade in between two guards, safety razors are a zero waste shaving option that offers a smooth shave that beats even the most multi-bladed disposable.

EcoRoots offers what is probably the most stylish safety razor - a rose gold cutie with the added bonus of a portion of every sale being donated to the Ocean Conservancy.

We created EcoRoots when we realized how much plastic waste is produced every year and decided to dedicate ourselves to help reduce it. 

We developed a darling safety razor, designed for women but great for anyone -  especially those with sensitive skin. We also created a line of all natural shaving products, as safety razors are best paired with organic shaving soap, and your skin will certainly thank you for the extra love!

EcoRoots’ all-natural, vegan shaving soap is a delicious mix of citrus and lavender notes enriched with shea and cocoa butter - a foamy treat for your legs that also helps reduce plastic waste (like all of our products! Swoon!)

How do I use a safety razor?

One of the reasons that many women avoid safety razors is simply that they don’t know how to use them! That one blade is mighty sharp, but the clue is in the name. Safety razors are indeed safe, but they might take a bit of getting used to.

No worries, though! You already got used to disposables, once upon a time, and you are much smarter and more dexterous now. The big thing to remember is that, because the blade is so much sharper than those dull disposables, you don’t need to apply pressure to the razor.

The vast majority of initial injuries with safety razors are because you just forget you’re using a different tool. Give yourself some time to get used to your new razor - no shaving in a hurry because you hit snooze a few too many times!

You’ll definitely want to use soap, lather or cream of some sort - no dry shaving here! Once you’ve gotten yourself all bubbly, start shaving.

You’ll want to position your razor at an angle, about 20 to 30 degrees - and you might find this awkward at first, as the go-to with disposables is flat against the skin.

You will get used to it, we promise - you’ll be an expert in no time!

So! We’re sure you have some more questions, so let’s get started answering them.

How do you change the blades of a safety razor?

 This process is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Unscrew the head of the razor. There are three pieces to a safety razor, the handle, the plate (the bottom of the head) and the cap (the top of the head). Once you have unscrewed the head from the razor, you’ll be able to separate the cap and the plate.
2. Remove the old blade and put a fresh blade on the plate.
3. Set the cap on top of the plate and blade, and screw the head back onto the handle.

How often should I change my safety razor blades?

You should change your blades every 3 - 5 shaves, which for most people will be about once a week.

If your razor feels like it’s dragging across your skin, then you definitely need a new blade.

Don’t try and stretch out the blades for longer than this - you’ll end up with razor burn, bumps, and probably a few cuts!

How do I recycle safety razor blades?

Safety razor blades are recyclable, but you can’t just throw them in with your tin cans and plastics.

Because they are sharp, and because of their function, they are considered hazardous.

You can recycle your blades at your local recycling center, where the blades will go into the stainless steel recycling. Calling your local recycling center is a great idea to find out the exact process.

What many people do is make themselves a little "razor bank".

Go to a thrift store and find yourself a cute metal piggy bank and use that as your storage container!

It will take a good long while to fill up, keep your blades from harming anyone, and then you can drop the whole kit n’ caboodle into the recycling once it’s full.

No fuss, no muss!

Can I travel on a plane with a safety razor?

If you’re traveling with your safety razor, you’re going to need to pack it in your checked luggage.

As the blades are removable, they are considered a weapon by the TSA, and not allowed in your carry-on bag.

Why should you use a safety razor?

So, why should you use a safety razor? Well, we’ve already covered one of the most obvious answers - to help save the planet!

Climate change is no joke, and every person needs to adjust the way they live to help reverse the effects of it. One of the best ways to do that is to consume thoughtfully.

That’s not the only reason, though! Safety razors will cost you FAR less than disposable razors in the long run.

Sure, the initial cost is a little more, but once you invest in a well-made (and stylish!) safety razor, the blades will only cost you 30 cents each.

Consider how much each disposable razor costs you - usually 2 to 4 dollars - those savings will add up so quickly!

Can safety razors prevent razor burn and razor bumps?

They sure can! One of the great things about safety razors is that they deliver a smoother shave than those multi-blade disposables!

How?

It’s simple - those disposable guys are chock-full of gimmicks like 7 blades and 5 moisturizing strips, but they aren’t really necessary.

They are just fancy extras to get you to buy their product. In fact, multiple blades do more harm than good.

The first blade lifts up the hair, the second one cuts it, and then the others drag over your skin, cutting the hair deeper than it should be cut - a complete recipe for ingrown hairs!

Ingrown hairs, also known as razor bumps, happen when hair gets cut in such a way that it grows back into the skin.

The hairs curl inwards, going into the skin and irritating the follicle, causing a red bump and painful irritation.

Safety razors cut the hair once, close to the skin (but not too close!) and don’t leave you vulnerable to those annoying bumps.

Razor burn is a common problem too - the temporary irritation that comes from shaving and can exacerbate razor bumps. These tips will, of course, help with that too!

The best way to avoid both razor bumps and razor burn is to follow these simple steps:

• Shave at the end of your shower. You want your follicles to be nice, warm and open.
• Exfoliate your skin before you shave. By getting rid of all the dead skin, you’re also helping lift up all of the hair! None of those little buddies are going to get trapped under your dead skin.
• Change your blade often! You want to have a clean, sharp blade on your razor at all times. Remember - change your blade every 3 to 5 shaves.
• Never dry shave! This is seriously so important. You need that rich lathery goodness to help the razor glide across your skin! It will also leave you moisturized and smelling fantastic - especially if you’re using Eco Roots shaving soap.
• Always shave WITH the grain! We know - it seems counterintuitive to shave that way, and most people tend to shave against the grain, but the right way really is with the grain. Give it a try for the next few times and we promise, you’ll feel the difference!
• After you shave, let your skin breathe. Especially the bikini area - wear loose-fitting underwear to give your goods some space. Tight undies will irritate that most sensitive of places.

Why EcoRoots safety razor might be a good match for you? 

At EcoRoots, we are dedicated to bringing beautiful products to you that you can feel good about using.

That’s why we make sure that our products are plastic free, and every bit of packaging is either recyclable or up-cycleable.

These are just a couple of ways that we are trying to make a difference. We also donate a portion of every sale to the Ocean Conservancy.

It’s our small way of making sure that we put a bit of good out into the world every time someone buys our products.

We don’t believe that you should have to sacrifice anything to be a more thoughtful and ethical consumer.

In fact, we want to make sure we bring you products that are even better than the ones we’re replacing.

Our safety razor will give you a better shave than any disposable, and our shaving soap is made from ethically sourced, vegan ingredients.

As we go through this life, we strive to leave everything a little better than we found it - including the concept of shaving!