It started innocently enough. After breaking too many of our "nice" glasses — which cost us a pretty penny and the headache of cleaning up miniscule shards — I ordered my boyfriend a set of durable bamboo cups. When I was scrolling on Instagram a few weeks later, I stumbled across Bamboozle’s nesting bowl set — and determined to buy one for myself as soon as the rainbow colorway was back in stock. (Spoiler alert: They’ve been my go-to bowls ever since they arrived!) One thing led to another, and I’m now the proud owner of a bamboo-based chip and dip set, which is especially ridiculous as we’re not entertaining during a global pandemic. (And let’s be honest, when my boyfriend and I are alone, we have no problem scarfing down chips and dip from their respective containers.)

I’m fully aware that my obsession with bamboo kitchen essentials is a bit, well, much, but I firmly believe this underdog material deserves a spot in everyone’s kitchens. More durable than dainty glass and porcelain, but more elevated than a cheap piece of plastic, bamboo offers the best of both worlds. And according to Avishai Greenstein, Bamboozle’s brand manager, bamboo is also pretty eco-friendly.

"Bamboo is a fantastic natural resource as it is plentiful, renewable, easy to grow, and has relatively lower impact than other wood," he explains. "Our product takes the sustainability a step farther by using ground discarded pieces from furniture and flooring manufacturing. These offcuts would usually be incinerated, but instead they are upcycled into a functional kitchenware."

Greenstein adds that bamboo can be used in a number of ways — it just depends on how it’s finished. In its natural state, bamboo can be a more renewable alternative to wood in cutting boards and other items that are usually hand washed. But, when it's finished in a protective resin, bamboo can be reimagined into just about anything. (Cups! Bowls! Serveware!) Not only is resin-finished bamboo dishwasher-safe, but it also doesn’t react to acidic or staining foods.

"In its raw form, bamboo needs to be cared for like any other wood," Greenstein adds. "It's forgiving but sanitizing with salt, using mineral oil and hand drying every so often can help extend the product's life. The bamboo fiber material requires very little special treatment. Tossing it in the dishwasher to keep it clean and refrain from using the microwave will keep them looking good for many years."

Oh, and did I mention that bamboo dinnerware is also reasonably priced? Now that you’re on board with the bamboo trend — you’re welcome! — you’ll need to add some pieces to your cabinets. To help, check out the eight buys below.

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