B.Y.O. Sticks

 

Chopsticks Americans are catching on to the “B.Y.O.S.” trend that’s growing in popularity in Asia. The B.Y.O.S. (Bring Your Own Sticks) movement has taken off over the past few years after statistics showed the massive forest devastation caused by disposable chopstick production. The Chinese government estimated that China cuts down 25 million trees a year to make 45 billion chopsticks, all of which are eventually thrown away! This has prompted a crusade against the use of disposable chopsticks in restaurants. By bringing their own reusable chopsticks to Asian themed restaurants, BYOS participants have saved millions of trees.


Devestating deforestation

This kind of deforestation has had a big impact on the panda bear population in China as 50% of their forest habitat was lost from 1974 through 1989 alone. To combat this vast deforestation, Earthshare’s member organization WWF China is working to conserve 14% of forested land and the biodiversity it supports. WWF conducts many conservation programs in China, addressing issues including climate change and the availability of fresh water.

Logging has been named one of the primary causes of deforestation, and commercial logging in particular threatens half of the world's 233 most significant sites for plant diversity. Conservation International, another Earthshare member group, also works in China to preserve its biodiversity and forests. More than 20,000 acres have already been protected through online donations -- you can help, too, by visiting their website and saving acreage.

Another way you can help? BYOS, of course!

There are many types of reusable chopsticks on the market. Pick the ones that suit your style, whether they’re made of glass, plastic, or finished wood. 


Alternate Uses for Chopsticks

Besides bringing your own pair of chopsticks to restaurants, you can actually recycle your old sticks!

Check out these baskets made from recycled chopsticks that collapse to fold flat. Try creating your own! Or, you can make items for your household like hot pads. 

Do you have another idea for repurposing old chopsticks? Let us know! 


Other Quick Uses

  • Hairstyling tools
  • Garden stakes
  • Small flagpoles
  • Drumsticks
  • Picture frame borders
  • Skewers

 

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Julia

i love natural so i want to safe my planet

Posted by: Julia | December 06, 2009 at 09:55 PM

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