The City of Tamba-Sasayama is 75% covered by forests, but many areas are densely packed and lack proper maintenance, increasing the risk of landslides and other issues. The NPO "Biomass Tamba-Sasayama" is actively involved in forest thinning and satoyama (village forest) maintenance, while supporting efforts through the "Tamba-Sasayama Wood Station Executive Committee," which purchases thinned timber collected by local volunteers. The gathered timber is utilized in various ways, including kumiteju (modular woodworking), wood pellets, and firewood. One such initiative is the thinned wood chopsticks, "Gifts from the Forest." By using "Gifts from the Forest," you contribute to increasing demand for thinned timber and help revive the beautiful forest landscapes of Tamba-Sasayama. Join the Tamba-Sasayama Forest Supporters today!

Did You Know? Chopsticks Can Be Eco-Friendly

Disposable chopsticks often carry a bad reputation as "single-use" items and are even thought to contribute to "deforestation." However, they are, in fact, eco-friendly products!

(Wait, how is that possible?)

The materials used to make disposable chopsticks are thinned wood or scrap wood.

(What are "thinned wood" and "scrap wood"?)

In forests, trees cannot grow strong and healthy if they are too densely packed. To prevent this, smaller trees are selectively removed in a process called thinning. The wood from this process is referred to as thinned wood. Additionally, when larger logs are cut into square lumber, the leftover pieces are called scrap wood. Disposable chopsticks repurpose this otherwise discarded thinned or scrap wood, making them truly eco-friendly products!

(Wow, that makes sense!)

Thinned Wood Chopsticks "Gifts from the Forest"

• Chopsticks only: ¥30 per pair (tax included: ¥33)
• With packaging: ¥40 per pair (tax included: ¥44)