How do OLA Bamboo products have a positive effect on the environment?
Every year, more than 4.9 billion plastic toothbrushes, billions of straws and disposable plastic utensils end up in garbage dumps and various natural environments around the world. All this plastic takes about 500 years to decompose. Even when it does decompose, its chemical composition remains intact and the entire plastic substance remains in the environment for centuries longer. A lot of this plastic is found in the oceans where it is ingested by birds and fish. Approximately 90% of seabirds have ingested plastic. Bamboo is the main element used in the manufacture of the OLA Bamboo toothbrush. This 100% natural and 100% biodegradable material replaces plastic, a substance very commonly used for the manufacture of conventional toothbrushes. OLA Bamboo utensils are made of 100% birch and straws are made of 100% bamboo. Since bamboo is a plant and birch is a tree, they decompose naturally in the environment. In short, when you dispose of your OLA Bamboo toothbrush, utensils or straws, in whatever way you do so, you help eliminate unnecessary plastic in the environment by replacing it with bamboo or wood, which break down naturally.Bamboo is the main material used in the manufacture of the OLA Bamboo toothbrush. This 100% natural and 100% compostable plant replaces plastic. Because bamboo is a tree, it decomposes naturally in the environment. By purchasing an OLA Bamboo toothbrush, you help eliminate unnecessary plastic in the environment.
What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
There are two categories of compostable products: those that break down in a home compost system and those that decompose in an industrial compost system (e.g. a city compost). Products described as compostable will break down naturally as they are usually made of organic materials (e.g. plants).The term biodegradable is not always well defined. It refers to any material that will decompose in nature after a certain number of years. However, there is no clear definition of the time frame needed for a product to decompose; moreover, a product can change shape but retain its chemical composition (e.g. biodegradable plastic bags).Are OLA Bamboo utensils and straws 100% compostable?Yes, our utensils and straws are 100% biodegradable and compostable. You can dispose of them by placing them directly in the compost or in the brown composting bin provided by the city’s compost management system. Note that the straws are designed to be cleaned and reused several times before composting; the utensils are designed for a single-use.
Is the OLA Bamboo brand involved in its community?
Yes! The OLA Bamboo brand is owned by the Canadian company OLA Bamboo Inc., based in Quebec. This new company currently employs three people and aims to increase this number soon. In addition to job creation, our company is involved in and supports various environmental initiatives. Part of the sales of each OLA Bamboo toothbrush is used to plant trees in Quebec with CO2 Compensation. So far, nearly 2000 trees have been planted thanks to you.
Are Bamboo straws safe?
Yes, Indeed. Bamboo is grown naturally without the use of any pesticides or chemicals.
Can you use bamboo straws for hot drinks?
Yes, of course. Unlike metal and plastic straws, these do not conduct heat from hot drinks which may burn your mouth.
How long does a bamboo straw take to decompose?
Bamboo is biodegradable and takes roughly 4-6 months to go back to the soil. On the contrary, plastic straws take hundreds of years.
How long bamboo straws last?
Bamboo straws last long when properly cleaned and cared for. Wash them with warm water, soap, and the washing brush that comes along after each use. Make sure to let them air dry before storing them in a closed space or putting them in a bag or travel case.
