BinB News | BinB Events Town Sites | Ascot | Bracknell | Henley | Maidenhead | Marlow | Newbury | Slough | Reading | Windsor | Wokingham
Chopsticks are increasing in use - Bring your own or recycle |
As one of the few chopstick nations of the world, Japan throws away many disposable wooden chopsticks.
"Waribashi" as they are known in Japan meaning “wari” to split open and “bashi” comes from “hashi”, meaning chopsticks you must split in two to use. An estimated of 2.5 billion waribashi are used annually in many Japanese restaurants. Though most are supplied from China and other asian countries like the Phillipines. But things are changing and many restaurants and people are becoming aware of the problems caused by this disposable waribashi. Leading nation wide chain restaurants are encouraging customers to take their “Mai Hashi”, or “My chopsticks” on the go with their ““100 Million My Beloved Chopsticks” campaign”. Others have stopped using waribashi in restaurants and switched to reusable plastic chopsticks. To drive this campaign, some chains even go as far as providing a “My chopsticks deposit box” for customers! Japan have had to look at options in recycling the large mass of chopsticks which are thrown away each year. Recently some companies have produced a recycled paper bag which has been made out of the disposed chopsticks. Reusable chopsticks are seen as not being "clean" or hygienic in Japan or "cheap". Yet this stigma needs to be removed to help save the amount of deforestation that is occurring across Asia and as far as Brazil. With the increase of Asian Fusion and Japanese takeaway restaurants here in the UK, the amount of "waribashi" is on an increase. With the conscious highlights by press to reduce plastic bags, other plastic containers, why is there no concern here in the UK, especially as most of the disposable chopsticks are having to travel hundreds of miles before use here in the UK. Could some of the leading stores consider providing reusing chopsticks or even encourage customers to BYO chopsticks. There is a huge selection of various chopsticks - cheap style plastic chopsticks ranging from £2.50 through to more exclusive chopsticks of £25.00 even £40.00 plus. Even branded chopsticks or with Hello Kitty or even Pokkemon. Whether you require a good set of chopsticks or a designer style pair, Irashai Services Ltd can assist with sourcing a pair for you. If you wish to receive further information about chopsticks or purchase chopstick carriers, please feel free to contact Ngaire Takano on 01628 636082 or ngaire |
