Fair Trade Originalis our partner organization representing bambu in The Netherlands. We are thrilled to be associated with this group. Fair Trade Original, formerly Fair Trade Organization incorporated in 1959, is the founder of development trade – an initiative which has since been adopted all over the world.

Fair Trade principles have become the standard in which social entrepreneurs and values-driven businesses are born. Fair Trade principles are the backbone to bambu. To read more about How Fair Trade Works, click here . Fair Trade Original buys only products that follow fair trade terms and conditions, and are open – and able – to improve and make change.

Fair Trade Original only works with companies that adhere to fair trade principles. We are proud that bambu is one of those companies. In fact, bambu is the first company to be operating in China, to partner with Fair Trade Original. The FTO team recently visited us in China, met with us, and toured our production centers. We were most proud to show them our owned and operated small, efficient utensils workshop, Zhu Mulan.. It was an unusual opportunity for us to show a caring group of people, our organization, our people, and why we are proudly made in China.

We accomplished a lot. A small collection of photos from their visit are below.

Working with Fair Trade Original builds awareness and appreciation, and importantly, change for producers and buyers around the world. It is a partnership we are particularly proud to have created.

Make no mistake, that is our fabulous Coiled Bamboo bowls there..used as props on the set of the Christmas episode of ‘Absolutely Fabulous.’

Our great green partners in the UK, Green Pioneer, alerted us to this ’sighting’ spotted over the Christmas on the holiday episode. For those not in the know on britTV, Absolutely Fabulous is the long-running, hit classic British comedy on BBC – better known as ‘Ab Fab’ among its loyal viewers. The scene involves glasses of bubbly, and sucking out of champagne bottle, with lots of neat eats on the table in our bowls.

We’re fans of British comedy and of course, good taste in set design. Green Pioneer will be showcasing our new colors, and new products at the upcoming HOME show – The definitive new trade event for homewares and interior accessories in London at Stand H50 More to be seen/scene from bambu in the UK!

bambu has been a longstanding member of Green America’s Green Business Network since we established our partnership in 2006. Among the first companies in our industry to partner with Green America.

Green America’s visions is to -

Yes, yes, yes….we stand with you. Green America is a non-profit organization that exists to promote social justice and environmental sustainability. Some of you may know Green America for its’ commitment to promoting green values in cities across the country through their Green Festivals.

bambu was featured in the organization’s Green Business Profile in 2008. (A link to that article is here.) bambu has advised the group on issues relating to auditing procedures, and transparency in China.

Green America has recently introduced a tiered seal of approval for businesses. We are thrilled that bambu has been awarded the highest honors with a Gold Seal of Approval for our commitment…..and action, towards a greener planet. Thank you for supporting bambu. Thank you for supporting other businesses that support Green America.

Want to do your part? At home? Here are 7 Tips to Go Green in your home, brought to you by Green America.

Make it great, make it green in 2012.

bambu Veneerware backstory

bambu Veneerware is the original ‘natural disposable’ range of dinnerware of choice for countless events, occasions and meals since first introducing bamboo plates to the the market over eight years ago. These unique, elegant bamboo dinnerware range has sparked interest, compliments and questions from a lot of people. We wanted to share the ‘back story’ of our bambu All Occasion Veneerware® plates and cutlery by creating this visual depiction with the help of artist, Arlene Birt, to illustrate our ‘Soil to Soil’ full cycle story. The simple graphic style presents our story that begins in the hills of China that we fondly refer to as ‘bamboo mountain.’  The bamboo we use is grown in the wild, not from plantations. Small plots of land are leased to individual farmers who harvest the bamboo with simple hand tools. The bamboo is harvested after three to five years.

Our bamboo is harvested using sustainable farming practices. No pesticides, fertilizers or chemicals are introduced to the growing or harvesting of the bamboo, which is grown in the wild. bambu is the only company to be able to make the claim that our bamboo is organically grown and certified.

Our bamboo products are enjoyed by thousands of people, and used for all types of occasions. The most common question we get asked is, ‘can we use them more than once?’ The short answer is ‘Yes.’ The FDA requires us to designate these products as single-use. But like any disposable plate, you can decide. We do not apply any finish or seal on them, so when you introduce liquid, they will begin to break down – which is exactly what these bamboo plates are supposed to do! So, cheese and crackers or sandwiches, or snacks, wipe ‘em clean, and use them again and again. If you are hosting a party or catering an event, using bambu Veneerware can save you money too – here’s how – check out the savings.

The best part of the bambu Veneerware story is when you are finished with these bamboo plates, and they go back into the soil and compost down. That’s when the full cycle works best. And that is why we encourage all bambu Veneerware customers to Consider Composting. We do recognize, that if there was a weak link to our ‘Soil to Soil’ process, it is the fact that we transport our bamboo plates from China to the US by large vessel. Not perfect perhaps, but still better than many alternatives. Read Inhabitat’s Compost Report on our bambu Veneerware®. Clean and green.

NEW USDA CERTIFICATION

We are pleased to share that our All Occasion Veneerware® has also been recognized with the industry’s first BioBased certification granted by the USDA. Biobased products are preferred over others, because of their proven biodegradability and low environmental impact. More information is available here and here.

Green, elegant, durable, beautiful and biodegradable.

Serve it up green, safe and clean, and certified good.

We have shared a few stories on the pages of this blog of how artists have used bamboo in creative ways, and in interesting settings.

A few of our favorites….

The Big Bambu installation atop of The Met in NY. Story is here. is magnificent example that we personally visited.

We also spotted an artist in Germany acquiring and using our own Bamboo Pebbles to create this Pebbles sculpture here. Interesting.

Or this story closer to home here in Shanghai using bamboo chopsticks. here.

Well, below is an extraordinary feat of imagination and precision and entertainment….stands alone.  Scott Weaver’s amazing piece, made with over 100,000 toothpicks over the course of 35 years…this deserves a watch!

VIDEO LINK HERE

Another extraordinary installation and creative interpretation using bamboo.

[shot with iPhone 4, Time Lapse app, edited with iMovie, music by Komeda]

We were recently invited to CEIBS, [China European International Business School] to share our bambu story.   CEIBS in one of the Top 10 business schools in the world and the leading school in Asia. More on the university can be found here.

Jeff Delkin and Rachel Speth, the owners and founders of bambu were invited along with several other entrepreneurs and businesses in the green tech, social enterprise, and green consumer products sectors to speak to the graduate students.

We were asked to present our business story as part of a week long Responsible Leadership Forum. The topics included resource management, product life cycles, green industries, China manufacturing, and green consumerism in China.

We shared our early beginnings, what inspired us to begin BAMBU, and shared our business approach. We talked about the materials we use and continue to explore, and then shared our products and opened it up for discussion.

With this many bright business minds in one room, we had a lively Q&A about going green in China, the challenges we face, the emerging trends, and several product and marketing ideas were kicked around.  The folks from OgilvyEarth presented research on the new China consumer and some of the perceptions and realities in adopting new greener lifestyles. People tend to view themselves as ‘greener’ than their actions would mirror.

Among the several commonalities between Chinese consumers and other people around the world, is the value of third party endorsements. Certifications from recognition institutions and organizations help consumers navigate an increasingly confusing world of new products, new materials and new claims.

The other similarity is this. While aspects of ‘green’ and ‘eco-friendly’ are appreciated…and desired, design, appeal, and value continue to be the most important drivers to purchase. The very same conclusion we quickly came to when we first introduced our products to the US market in 2003.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.  Whether 3rd graders or grad students, it is always a blast to tell our story and share our story with students.

In the current August 29th issue. The one with the Brad and Angelina brood on the cover. Well, much to our surprised, in a Frito-Lay ad. There on top, is unmistakably, our product.

People magazine

Our best selling ‘classic series’ large size bamboo cutting board. We refer to these as our ‘bullet’ boards because of their sleek, rounded silhouette. It’s a favorite, and it is nice to see our distinctive design grace the pages of People, and the ad layout of Frito Lay. Hip Hip Hurray!

Among the clips, there ia a company overview, a short clip of Tao, who lives in central Vietnam and is an extraordinary weaver, and a ‘top of her class’ student, a recent broadcast in Shanghai from the Eco Design Fair, and a couple of other short clips.

Hope you enjoy. More to come…

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