FAQ
What is bamboo?
Bamboo is a fast growing grass having hollow woody walled stems with ringed joints and edible shoots. It’s a renewable resource, a strong material and a viable alternative to wood and petroleum based products. In addition, it is a symbol of strength, flexibility, beauty, sustainability, tenacity and endurance. A natural resource that has uses ranging from medicine and food to structural materials and soil preservation.
Why choose bamboo?
Bamboo makes ecological sense. Bamboo is nature’s most sustainable resource. Bamboo is actually not a wood but a grass, which continuously sends up new shoots after harvesting without the need for replanting. Growing at a rate of up to four feet per day, bamboo holds the world record as the fastest growing plant, and can be harvested every 4-5 years, as opposed to 25-70 years for commercial tree species. Some prehistoric species grow up to 250 feet tall.
Bamboo is good for the environment. Bamboo removes CO2 from the atmosphere and produces over 30% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. By growing and using more bamboo, we can help combat global warming. Bamboo also offers an opportunity to stop the destruction of forests, as it can be selectively harvested without destroying the grove or stand. Additionally, bamboo’s ability to rapidly soak up excess nutrients contained in wastewater has captured the attention of environmental and manufacturing engineers as an environmentally safe and reliable way to deal with waste issues.
Bamboo stabilizes the earth. Bamboo’s root system helps to prevent soil erosion and improves the soil by removing excess nitrogen. It also retains an abundance of water, helping to reduce runoff, protect riverbanks and reduce water pollution (again, due to its high nitrogen consumption).
Do you use dyes, fertilizers or pesticides?
Bamboo is 100% organic. Bamboo is grown without pesticides, fertilizers or chemicals and no irrigation is required for its growth aside from natural rainfall. Pest and pathogens do not like bamboo. And that’s all good for our environment, right?
Why is bamboo sustainable?
The bamboo in China, where our bamboo products begin their life, grows naturally and does not require the use of pesticides, herbicides, or irrigation, other than the natural rainfall that it receives. Also, the bamboo does not require planting as the stalks can be cut off above ground and they will continue to grow, ready for harvest again in just a few short years. Compare this to a tree that may take 70 years to reach maturity. In addition bamboo has a vast root system network that constantly sprouts new shoots. Unlike many other resources, bamboo does not require gas guzzling tractors, pesticides, and herbicides to harvest and bring to production.
What does unbleached mean?
The manufacturer does not apply a bleaching process to the product to change the color to white. The product remains in its natural color and state.
How many different types of bamboo are there?
Worldwide there are well over 1,200 different species available. They are classified according to their type, species and variety.
Why is bamboo naturally anti-microbial?
We believe from our research that bamboo has some amazing antibacterial capabilities. Its antibacterial property is commonly referred to as “bamboo kun”. It is because of this antibacterial, antifungal agent, that bamboo does not require the use of pesticides or herbicides for growth.
Back in 2003 the China Industrial Testing Center completed a quantitative antibacterial capability test. They placed a bacterial strain type on bamboo fabric. After a period of 24 hours had elapsed, the live bacteria were counted. Results showed that the bamboo fabric exhibited a 99.8% antibacterial kill rate.
What does biodegradable mean?
A biodegradable product can dissolve easily in the environment without destroying nature. It’s the opposite of plastic and Styrofoam, which harm the environment. If everything was biodegradable, our world would be extremely clean!
What is a renewable resource?
A natural resource is a renewable resource if it is replaced by natural processes and if replenished with the passage of time. Renewable resources are part of our natural environment and form our eco-system.
How do your bamboo plates stand up to heat and liquids?
In a word, beautifully. Unlike other biodegradable tableware, our bamboo plates do not become pliable or “sweat” when hot liquids/food are added. The plates are constructed of three alternating layers of bamboo. The plates shape adds to the rigidity of the plate and makes it much stronger than the typical “paper plate”.
Are the plates microwaveable?
Our bamboo plates should not be used in a microwave nor at a temperature that exceeds 120° F.
Will the bamboo plates biodegrade during my party?
No. Our bamboo plates will biodegrade only when subjected to the conditions of a composting bin or other disposal situations (i.e., high-heat and -pressure conditions).
Are the bamboo products you carry dishwasher safe?
Our bamboo plates are meant for single use and all of our reusable products are hand wash only. Our biodegradable and reusable products are not meant for the dishwasher.
How is this product less expensive than real china?
Our bamboo products are sturdier, prettier and more ecologically responsible than paper or plastic. When planning an elegant event or looking to add panache to the buffet table you spend less in labor and rental fees which are required to pack, unpack, clean and transport the china.
In addition, can you ensure that green seal certified chemicals are being used to clean the plates? With bamboo you just pay for the cases you purchase. When your event is done you dispose of the plates in a compostable trash bag after your event and mother nature will take its course from there. No additional steps, no worries and no additional charges!
I am a caterer/event planner/chef. How do I get more information and order bulk packages?
Please contact us to discuss your needs at: info@earthfriendlyhospitality.com and use contact form.
Are there minimums?
There are no minimums for bulk packaging. Custom branding has a 200 case minimum order.
Are samples available?
Yes. Please contact us to discuss your needs and we will be more than happy to send you a sample.
What types of payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and checks.
Do you accept orders via phone or fax?
We accept PO’s via email or fax.
Do you have a catalog that you could send me?
In order to be sustainable all of our offerings are available on this site.
What are the finishes used on the reusable products?
The finishes on the exterior color bowls are an FDA approved food lacquer finish. The materials used on the interior bowls is beeswax, mineral oil and carnauba wax.
Wait! I have more questions!
We are happy to answer any of your questions. Please email us at info@earthfriendlyhospitality.com and we’ll get back to you just as soon as we can.