9 REASONS WHY MAPLE WOOD CUTLERY IS A BETTER CHOICE THAN BAMBOO CUTLERY

As more and more people are choosing a healthier more sustainable lifestyle, using wood cutlery is becoming a means to contribute to both lifestyle choices. In the article, “Following a Healthier and Sustainable Lifestyle are 2 Great Ways to Start your Year on the Right Foot,” we discuss how wooden cutlery can be a wise choice.

In this article, we will fill you in on the reasons why Maple Wood Cutlery specifically is a better choice than bamboo.

9 Advantages of Maple Wood Cutlery

1. Durability: Maple Wood is known for its hardness and durability. This means that maple wood cutlery is resistant to cracking, splitting, and breaking. Although Bamboo is also durable. It is harder than Maple Wood making them harder to revive. It is said that bamboo requires more maintenance than maple wood due to its tendency to splinter over time with frequent use.
2. Lifespan: Maple Wood cutlery will last up to 15 years if properly maintained. This means that if you purchase a set of Maple Wood cutlery you will have it for years to come. While bamboo cutlery can last up to 2 years if properly maintained, as suggested by most manufacturers of bamboo cutlery. Although my experience is that those bamboo utensils that I have purchased have not lasted this long.
3. Resistance to Moisture: Maple Wood has a tighter grain structure than bamboo, which makes it more resistant to moisture absorption. This property helps maple wood utensils withstand repeated washing without warping or cracking. It also helps in cooking with water and eating soups.  
4. Resistance to Heat: Maple Wood is naturally heat resistant, allowing the cutlery to withstand high temperatures without damage. This property makes it ideal for use with hot dishes and cooking, as not only does it withstand the heat, it also does not alter the temperature. This makes hot foods stay warm longer and cold foods stay cool longer. Bamboo is not as heat resistant as Maple Wood. Therefore, excessive heat can cause bamboo cutlery to warp, crack, or become damaged. It is generally not suitable for use with hot dishes or cooking.
5. Cost: Although the initial investment in Maple Wood Cutlery is 2 to 4 times higher than bamboo cutlery, the cost per day of owning Maple Wood cutlery is much cheaper. Maple Wood Cutlery will cost you less than 1¢ a day, or 20¢ per month. The cost of bamboo varies significantly depending on the quality and the location of the supplier. However, if it lasts for 2 years it can cost between 1.5¢ to 3¢ a day, or between 40¢ and 80¢ per month. Therefore, it will cost you at least double to use bamboo.
6. Sustainability: Both Maple Wood and bamboo are renewable resources. Although bamboo grows quickly and is renewed within 5 years, there are many factors that make it less environmentally friendly than maple. Bamboo is planted and grown at the expense of other diverse species. Because there is no organization governing bamboo, like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), no one can ensure bamboo has been harvested in a sustainable fashion. Typically, coal fired plants are used to process bamboo emitting pollution. Another obvious strike against bamboo is the fossil fuels required to transport the bamboo around the world. This leaves a significant carbon footprint. Northern hard maples are seldom clear cut, and the ground is not tilled to remove undergrowth, therefore erosion is seldom a concern as it is with bamboo growing practices. Very little wood is used to make Maple Wood cutlery. Over 9,000 utensils are made from one tree.  Maple Wood is more sustainable for the North American market as maple trees are grown and harvested locally, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.   Maple is considered carbon neutral.
7. Quality:  Only high-quality maple wood is available for purchase and subsequent use in Canada, since the forest industry is regulated, and sustainable practices are followed. Therefore, the quality of Maple Wood cutlery is always high.  Bamboo is inconsistent. There are so many ways to cut and process bamboo. With the lack of standardization and regulation, it is hard to be assured of the quality of any given bamboo product.
8. Feel: Maple Wood weighs more than Bamboo. Although bamboo is technically a form of grass and not a form of wood, it is still measured in the same way as wood. Bamboo weighs between 19 – 25 pounds per cubic foot, while Maple Wood weighs 39 – 47 pounds per cubic foot. As a result of the weight a Maple Wood spoon, fork or knife feels still light are more substantial in your hands. They also have a smoother softer finish to the touch when compared to bamboo.
9. Aesthetic Appeal: As a result of the Maple Wood being not quite as hard as bamboo, it is easier to work with. This allows JUstenbois to form the utensils into ergonomic curved shapes. This along with the beautiful grain of the wood, makes Maple Wood utensils much more aesthetically appealing.

Some Common Characteristics of Both Maple Wood Cutlery and Bamboo Cutlery

There are some favourable characteristics shared by both Maple Wood and Bamboo Cutlery. There are also some unfavourable characteristics shared by both. Here is a quick summary of both.

1. Natural Antibacterial (Favourable):  Both Maple Wood and bamboo cutlery possess natural antibacterial properties. The porosity, tannins, and the lignin found in maple wood contribute to its resistance to bacterial growth. The roughness of the wood while growing reduces the likelihood of colonization and growth. The porous structure, alkaline PH, kun, and lignin found in bamboo contribute it its resistance to bacterial growth.
2. Does not Alter the Taste or Nutrients of Food (Favourable): Both Maple Wood and bamboo cutlery do not alter the taste of food nor the nutrients in the food. Stainless steel and plastic can emit chemicals that do. Therefore, while using wood cutlery to eat, you are enjoying the full flavours of your food.
3. Biodegradable (Favourable): Both Maple Wood and bamboo cutlery are biodegradable. The means an eco-friendly disposal option is available at the end of its lifespan. Simply add your worn-out or broken cutlery to your compost.
4. Requires Proper Maintenance (Unfavourable): Maple Wood and bamboo cutlery requires proper maintenance. This means hand washing immediately after use. The cutlery is not dishwasher safe, as exposure to the high heat and moisture of a dishwasher can cause the cutlery to warp, crack, or lose its finish. It also includes drying with a clean towel and completely letting the utensil air dry before storage. Periodic conditioning with a food safe mineral oil will prevent the wood from drying out.

Conclusion

Using Maple Wood Cutlery offers many advantages when compared to bamboo. It is more durable, has a longer lifespan, is more resistant to moisture and heat, has overall cost savings per day, is more sustainable, has better overall quality and consistency, a better feel in your hands, and is more aesthetically appealing.

It is the wise choice for a more sustainable healthier lifestyle.