What are you willing to do to save the earth? Recycle? Go vegan? Nothing? For Jia-Hong Lin (林嘉宏), the second generation owner of Yuantai Bamboo Workshop (元泰竹藝社), it’s using bamboo to create a sustainable world. (Read more: Travel Deeper to Zhushan: A Eco-friendly Day in Bamboo Mountain)
The Origin of Yuantai Bamboo Workshop
Run by Lin’s parents, Yuantai Bamboo Workshop used to be an old factory that produced bamboo needles for weaving in Zhushan, the biggest town for processing bamboo in Nantou. Lin left home in his youth to join the military, and later became a T-shirt designer after being discharged. But a call from his mother brought him back to his hometown after ten-plus years.
“My mom asked if I want to come home and take over the business.” Lin recalls. “We were probably the last bamboo factory in Zhushan after the 2000s and she was considering shutting down the business as well.” The bamboo processing industry in Zhushan has been declining since the 1970s as most of the factories relocated to China seeking cheaper laborers. Coupled with the rise of plastic products, the bamboo processing industry has become the so-called “sunset industry” in Taiwan.
“But I don’t think about it that way,” says Lin. “Us being the last factory means no competitors.” The entrepreneur spirit in Lin took him back to Zhushan, marking a turning point in his life, as well as for Zhushan. (You might also like: Travel Deeper in Central Taiwan)
Rebranding: Making Good Use of Eco-Friendly Bamboo
Bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than trees. Compared to plastic, bamboo can naturally decompose. It only takes three years for bamboo to grow into a usable size, which makes it an efficient building material. Everyone agrees that bamboo is eco-friendly, but how to make good use of bamboo to create a sustainable industry while producing products that meet modern people’s needs was Lin’s first challenge. “I’ve always supported the idea of sustainability.” says Lin. “But before taking over the family business, I seldom put my support into practice. I really wanted to take this chance to actually do something and was trying to come up with a good product that fits my vision”.
The answer was quickly found during a collaboration with local B&Bs. A toothbrush is a tool that every person needs, but are mainly made from plastic. “How many plastic toothbrushes will a person use in their lifetime? And imagine how much we can save the environment if we replace every single one with bamboo?” says Lin. He then excitedly moved onto executing the idea, but the next issue soon kicked in. “When we were designing the toothbrush, the handle was for sure gonna be bamboo, but what about the brush? It’ll be a joke if we go back to using plastic again!” We need to find something natural, something that is also decomposable.” This time, it took Lin a whole year to find the solution. (You might also like: How to Celebrate Earth Day in Taiwan)
“I literally tried everything. Goat hairs were too soft to clean teeth. I even tried wolf hairs, which was a total disaster because it’s like using a steel brush to brush my teeth, making my gums bleed so bad!” Lin laughed. “Eventually, I found horse hairs to be the best material that has a hardness suitable to cleaning teeth”.
Following the birth of bamboo toothbrushes, Lin continued developing products such as bamboo dishes, bamboo bowls, and bamboo cups. The most successful item must be bamboo straws. “We were very lucky when we decided to produce straws. It was the time when a video of a sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nostril went viral, and people were eager to find a replacement to help the ocean.”
Despite having this good idea, lack of funds to support the massive production of straws was still a problem. In order to reach the goal, Lin and his friend used their GoPro to shoot a fundraising video in his backyard, hoping to at least raise a couple thousand to help. “The timing of releasing that video was another lucky coincidence. It was the day after our government announced a new regulation to ban the use of plastic straws in chain restaurants.” Lin recalls. “And we ended up raising almost a million dollars!”
Practicing Real Sustainability
Looking back on his journey of transferring the family business into a brand that promotes sustainability, Lin thinks the key to fulfilling his future vision relies not only on himself but also the whole community in Zhushan. “If I want people to come and visit my hometown, having one shop like us is not enough.” To help local businesses thrive again, Lin now holds workshops to support the transformation of other businesses. Zhushan is now a characterful town known for a beautiful restaurant that was transformed from an old bus station, countless B&Bs bursting with personality, and of course, Yuantai Bamboo Workshop. (You might also like: Back to Their Roots: Sustainable Tourism in Taiwan’s “Bamboo Mountain” Town)
With people coming to visit the town, the local shops and businesses are able to keep running and developing more products with distinguishing features that in turn attract more visitors. This is also the definition of sustainability. Circular economy helps people, plastic reduction helps the earth.
Cheers to sustainability, we’ll see you soon at Yuantai Bamboo Workshop!
11 comments
WOW just whɑt Ӏ was searching foг. Came here by searching for sbobetkick – https://sbobetkick.com,
Very great post. I simply stumbled upߋn ʏߋur weblog and wantеd to mention tһаt I’ve tгuly enjoyed surfing aгound yoᥙr weblog posts.
After all I will bе subscribing on your rss feed and I’m hoping
you writе once more soon!
Feel free to surf to my page; lottosilver
Hey! This iѕ my firѕt comment hегe ѕо І ϳust ԝanted to giѵe а quick shout οut and say Ι genuinely enjoy reading
yоur blog posts. Can y᧐u recommend any othеr blogs/websites/forums tһat go
oνer the sɑmе topics? Appreciate it!
Stop by my paցe – sbobetnew
Thank yоu fоr tһe gоod writeup. Ӏt in truth
ѡas а leisure account іt. Lߋok complex tօ far introduced agreeable
from yοu! By the way, how can we be in contact?
Aⅼso visit my web site fifa12bet – https://www.fifa12bet.com/ –
Wonderful article! We will Ьe linking tⲟ this
great article ߋn oᥙr website. Keep up the great writing.
Feel free tо surf to my web ρage – Fifa55-official
Good post. I cеrtainly love tһiѕ website.
Keeⲣ writing!
Ꮇy webpage :: allcasinobet; Allcasinobet.com,
With a vast background of 20 years in criminal defense and DUI law, Jeremy Huss stands out as the premier criminal lawyer
in Phoenix, Arizona. At Huss Law, the team possess in-depth knowledge
in navigating the complexities of Arizona criminal
law, ensuring exemplary representation.
From DUI to white-collar crimes, Jeremy and his team
have represented clients against charges like murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking.
This expertise spans across various areas of criminal justice,
rendering Huss Law a comprehensive choice for anyone in need of legal defense.
What sets Jeremy apart is his background as an Arizona criminal prosecutor.
This experience provides him a unique perspective,
enhancing his defense strategies immensely.
He’s not just a lawyer; he’s a fighter for your freedom.
Jeremy’s excellence is also reflected in his recognition within the legal community.
Being celebrated as a top trial attorney by Elite
Lawyer and being part of the Top 100 Attorneys speaks volumes about his capabilities.
His membership in prestigious associations like the National College of DUI Defense and the National DUI Defense Lawyers Association further underscores his commitment to the field.
When you opt for Huss Law, you’re getting a lawyer with a track record
of success. Jeremy has achieved favorable outcomes like Second Degree Murder
and obtained favorable jury trial results on major felony
charges. Such achievements shows his capability to handle even the most complex
cases.
Moreover, the firm’s solid relationships with judges at local courthouses and their commitment to excellent communication with clients like you
ensure that your interests are well-protected at every legal turn.
In conclusion, picking Jeremy Huss as your criminal lawyer in Phoenix means selecting a seasoned expert with a wealth of experience,
an impressive track record, and a strong dedication to
defending your freedom. Call now for a free consultation and experience the outstanding legal defense that Huss Law has to offer.
Іt’s very trouble-free to find oսt any matter on web aѕ compared to textbooks, ɑs I
found this piece of writing at this web site.
Stop by my webpage Sbobok [http://Sbobok.Com]
Unquestionably Ьelieve thɑt wһiсh you
stated. Your favorite reason appeared t᧐ be on the web thе easiest thіng to be aware ⲟf.
I sɑy to yoս, Ι definiteⅼy get annoyed whilе people сonsider worries thаt they plainly ԁօn’t know aЬⲟut.
Υou managed tο hit the nail upon the top and alѕo defined out the
whole thing ԝithout having ѕide-effects , people can take a signal.
Wіll probɑbly Ƅе back to get more. Τhanks
Μy һomepage; sbobetis (Elijah)
Thiѕ post іs worth eѵeryone’s attention. Where
сan I find out mߋre?
Check out my paɡe; sbobetpine
І know this if off topic ƅut I’m lߋoking intо starting mʏ oѡn blog and was
wondering ԝhat all іs required to get setup? I’m assuming һaving a
blog liқe yours wоuld cost a pretty penny?
Ӏ’m not vеry web savvy so I’m not 100% ⅽertain. Any suggestions or advice ᴡould be greatly appreciated.
Маny thɑnks
my web site betballxo, Bob,