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If you’re looking to cut down on your single-use plastic consumption, refusing to-go cutlery is an easy switch to make. In this article, we’ll show you three of the best bamboo utensils and cutlery sets for eating on the go.
Why Use Bamboo Utensils?
There are a few reasons we recommend tossing bamboo utensils in your pocket or purse. As takeout and food delivery is becoming increasingly popular, the use (and disposal) of plastic to-go cutlery is on the rise. According to Forbes, in the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that 40 billion individual plastic utensils are wasted every year.
Many times, it’s not just a single fork or spoon but a whole set wrapped in a disposable plastic bag, complete with a napkin and even single-serve salt and pepper packets. More often than not, people only use the one utensil they need and toss the rest without a second thought.
By carrying reusable utensils with you, you can refuse the single-use cutlery. But with so many options — metal, bamboo, or sturdy plastic — it can be difficult to narrow down the best set for you.
Here are a few reasons we recommend going with reusable bamboo utensils over metal or plastic alternatives:
- Lightweight: Bamboo is lighter than both plastic and metal, making it more convenient to carry for everyday use.
- Odorless: Some materials, especially plastic, can take on the smell of the foods you’ve eaten. Bamboo doesn’t trap odors, so you don’t have to worry about them getting funky.
- Compostable and biodegradable: If your bamboo utensils get worn out, they can be composted at the end of their life, so they’ll never end up in a landfill or waterway.
Best Bamboo Utensil Sets
Based on our market research and firsthand use, these are the three best bamboo utensils and eco-friendly bamboo cutlery sets available:
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Most Sustainable: To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set With Carrying Case
The To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set includes a fork, spoon, non-serrated knife, and chopsticks. It comes in a handy carrying case that’s made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, so not only are you preventing plastic from entering the waste stream, but you’re also helping to reduce the amount of existing plastic clogging our landfills and oceans.
The company itself, a certified B Corp, has a steadfast commitment to the planet. Aside from using sustainable materials, it collaborates with eco-friendly brands like Patagonia and 4ocean and has employee programs such as a zero-waste pledge and community clean-ups to reduce its environmental footprint.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 1,500 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Sleeve made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles; Certified B Corp; Climate Neutral Certified; Supports 1% For the Planet; Fair Labor Association member
Most Convenient: Bambu Reusable Bamboo Sporks
If a full bamboo cutlery set is too bulky to carry, consider the compact Bambu Reusable Bamboo Spork. This merges two bamboo utensils into one convenient tool that’s small enough to fit in your pocket yet still large enough to hold in your hand and comfortably eat with.
Bambu products are sourced from the “bamboo belt” of Eastern China and sustainably handcrafted in family-operated workshops near the raw material source for minimal environmental impact. It’s certified organic by a number of international organizations, including the USDA, LETIS, and CERES.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 50 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Certified USDA Organic and Biobased Product; Certified B Corp; Carbonfree® Product Certified; Supports 1% For the Planet
Best For Travel: Waves of Change Reusable Bamboo Utensil Set
The Waves of Change line from Full Circle Home features ocean-inspired products to make meals away from home more sustainable, including insulated lunch bags, sandwich and snack pouches, and a reusable bamboo utensil set.
These eco-friendly bamboo utensils come in a zippered pouch for extra cleanliness while traveling or commuting. Whether you choose the wave or whale design, each pouch is made with a recycled fabric that’s produced from plastic waste and certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 200 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Sleeve made from GRS-certified recycled fabric; Certified B Corp; Plastic Neutral company; Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified; USDA Certified Biobased Product
Whether it be bringing your own utensils, a reusable straw, or a takeout container from home, finding ways to reduce your plastic consumption when out to eat is key to leading a more sustainable life. With any of these three bamboo utensil sets, you can feel good about being able to refuse single-use plastic on the go.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that’s featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.