Utensils

Utensils for a better world

It's hard to imagine anything new or exciting about ordinary forks, spoons, spatulas, bowls, and plates; but there's nothing ordinary about the new age utensils that are becoming expressions of society's changing views. Hand-crafted quality, environmental awareness, and fair trade are values that are making a strong comeback, even when it comes to our choice of kitchen utensils.

Did you say bamboo?

Today, there are more alternative selections than ever before when it comes to cooking and dining utensils. Imagine the surprised looks you'll get from guests when you tell them that the salad bowls and dinner plates were made of hand-crafted bamboo from the Orient.

Green up your kitchen

Bamboo is actually a grass that has a tensile strength greater than steel and is harder than red oak or maple. It promotes vital economic and ecological benefits to many third-world countries. As one of the earth's fastest-growing plants, it needs no replanting, grows without fertilizers or pesticides, and is harvested in cycles of three to five years. The following is a list of bamboo kitchen tools and utensils that are gaining popularity in green kitchens around the world.

• Salad bowls
• Tongs
• Plates
• Cutting boards
• Cutlery
• Baskets
• Spoons
• Forks
• Sporks
• Knife block
• Spaghetti spoons

Environmentally safe

Hikers and campers are also discovering the benefits of disposable, biodegradable bamboo camping utensils. Sturdier and more ecologically friendly than plastic, these bamboo utensils also enhance barbecues and picnics - and best of all, you don't have to feel guilty about disposal.

Promote fair trade

In addition to bamboo - wood, clay, ceramics, and handmade metals can also provide important utensils in creating your eco-friendly kitchen. Clay pots from Kenya, handmade woks from China, and ceramic bowls from Mexico are just a few of the ways you can enhance the beauty of your kitchen at home while promoting fair trade and a more sustainable environment for the world.