Bring Your Own Chopsticks Movement Gains Traction in Asia

A recent article in the China Post tells the story of “young yuppy” from Taiwan who refuses the disposable bamboo chopsticks that are ubiquitously handed out to customers at cafeteria eateries. He packs his own sticks—and apparently it’s part of a growing movement in Asia. He is one of “tens of thousands of chopstick-carrying customers” who not only bring their own, but are getting rewarded for it: usually in the form of a discount, a free bowl of soup, or some other goodies. China even entertained the idea of legislation that would compensate restaurants for rewards they give customers who bring their own.

A Chinese blog claims that 45 billion pairs of disposable chopsticks are tossed out yearly in China, contributing to deforestation and mounds of unnecessary waste. The blog also claims that Japan has outlawed the cutting of bamboo for disposable chopsticks, so China has begun exporting large amounts to Japan. Stimuli for the spreading movement of bring-your-own culture is coming from different directions. One company boss even introduced a rule that all employees must bring their own sticks to the office—fining them if they don’t.
For more info on bring-your-own culture in the States, check out our friend Anna’s site, bringyourown.org. And if people have more leads on bring-your-own movements, please drop me a line.