Why we believe in Grey Sedge grass straws, and you will too.
☆Super low ecological footprint
Unlike recent "compostable" straws made from PLA (Polylactic acid), the amount of energy and resources needed to make Sedgies are overwhelmingly low.
Straws containing PLA are not compostable under natural conditions and depend on an infrastructure costing millions of dollars, including collection systems and maintenance of soil temperature and microorganisms. No need to worry about deforestation with Sedgies either.
☆Born for liquids
Sedgies don’t go soggy or dissolve in your drink. After just a few minutes in your drink the straws absorb the liquid and come back to life, increasing in durability. After a certain point, you can bend, squeeze, even crumple it up and it will return to straw-tus quo.
*Not all perform the same. Some may still crack.
☆Helps preserve the local ecosystem
Among the vast wildlife that call the wetlands their home is the Endangered Sarus Crane.
As Ho Chi Minh continues its rapid growth, industrial facilities and rice paddies continue to expand.
By preserving the fields, we are also able to preserve the biodiversity and habitat of this precious Red-listed species (there are currently approx.: 13,000~15,000 wild full grown adults).
Source (IUCN) here.
....................
Q: What happens if you harvest too much?
A: No need to worry.
☆Regenerative Farming
The agricultural method used to grow Sedgies is centered around regular re-planting. Roughly every 12 months the plants grow in thick bunches as they approach harvest. The strongest, most resilient ones left in the final batch are gathered, roots (rhizomes, kind of like ginger) and all, and spread out to re-flourish.
By continuing this circular process, we are able to support the innate sustainability of the local nature, ensure stable resources, secure jobs, dramatically decrease the use of plastic straws and help reduce pollution.
Since the wetlands are so high in alkaline and iron, it is suitable for only certain types of plants, mainly in the Poales order, such as rice and, you guessed it, Sedgies.
☆Produces jobs in rural areas
In recent years, the rural/suburban workforce around Ho Chi Minh has been moving into the city in record numbers. This gives them opportunity to escape poverty, and is the major reason why the city has become the fastest growing economy in South East Asia.
On the other hand, this urban migration has taken many workers away from rural areas. We contribute to the local economy by helping create job opportunities across many fields including the Sedgy farmers, the factory staff, and local printing and shipping companies.
☆Fair pricing
As laws and regulations continue to change throughout the world regarding single-use plastics, “developed” countries in particular are being called upon to reconsider consumer behavior.
By keeping prices and wages reasonable and fair, and by spreading awareness of environmental issues, we aim to improve the Vietnamese local standard of living and add to the sustainability of communities for as many stakeholders as possible.
☆We place importance on gender equality
Vietnam is the second amongst Asian nations to have women in executive positions and we are proud to contribute to gender equality in ownership and top management. Women also make up about 90% of our HQ staff. Not only are they diligent workers, by supporting women empowerment we are able to bring new opportunities to the local communities and contribute to economic development.
Sedgy: Lepironia Articulata, known locally as Co Bang
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Genus: Lepironia
Species: L. articulata
