Since the beginning of time drumsticks have been an absolute MUST for just about everyone in the percussion industry. But those sticks have to come from somewhere, and unfortunately it's costing us to lose a lot of virgin forests and the species which inhabit them. As these forests disappear the Earths capacity to cool itself becomes diminished. Forest-derived products, such as chopsticks, clothes hangers, golf tees, cardboard drink coasters, and drumsticks, combined, cause the destruction of over 30 million forest trees per year, typically by “clear cutting”. As so-called "green technology”evolves one company is making strides to move to the forefront of environmentally safe products made from wheat.

This is the first model of stick manufactured by the Wheatware Company. Currently available in 5A and 5B, more sizes and tip models will be added to the stick roster as their success continues to grow. While attending the Summer NAMM show I visited their booth to see this for myself and give them a test drive. Once there I was greeted by Kate who was nice enough to provide some really cool factoids and a brief presentation of what Wheatware drumsticks are all about.

SUMMER NAMM 2008 - Wheatware Drumsticks

So as you just witnessed, these earth friendly tree-free drumsticks offer a natural textured feel while producing a bright sound with less vibration allowing you to play more comfortably. Some cool things you might not know about Wheatware:

-Reduces wood consumption, landfills, and limits the amounts of air pollution/fuel consumption associated with the transporting vehicles employed by the landfills themselves.

- Made from a non-allergenic, wheat-based polymer that is FULLY biodegradable and can be broken down into compost.

- Withstands temperatures of 190-210 deg. F

- Wears down similar to wood but won't fray or splinter.

- It would take 10 years of accelerated Wheaware production capacity to reach 5-10% of the annual wheat surplus, so you can still eat all the wheat you want. (Just don't eat the sticks)

- They even make yo-yo shakers! What's not to like about that?

Overall it's a really cool stick with great potential to improve upon itself. In the future I would like to see them expand to more sizes and variations on the tip design. They tend to play with a feel similar to the Carbosticks (see illust. below)

so you get more bounce from each stroke due to the sticks flexibility. This could be a good or a bad thing depending on personal preference. You can find out more by visiting http://www.wheatware.com and view some other interesting products. Go check them out and help save the world.....one pair at a time!

Sources: www.wheatware.com