You may have sometimes heard chewing gum referred to as 'chicle', which is because gum originally came from a tropical evergreen tree called Manilkara chicle before the present day, synthetic sort became common. And now, a small cooperative in the Mexican rainforest is hoping to ressurect the chicle industry by selling the natural gum as an organic, sustainable product that's also fully biodegradable - unlike the unsightly stuff that's spat on to our pavements costing millions in street cleaning each year.
Chicza gum, which will be available in supermarkets soon, is made from the natural sap of the tropical trees which are not harmed by the process, and need to be kept alive and healthy to keep providing gum. A great way to save the rainforest!
[Via Treehugger]
Chewing gum has long been the bane of teachers and street cleaners...and the love of dentists. Made of synthetic chicle, sugar and flavoring it causes cavities, and sticks to the pavement--costing millions in street cleaning. Now a small co-operative in the Mexican rain forest is bringing back the original chicle processing skills to make a chewing gun that is certified organic and saving the rain forest. Called Chicza Rain forest Gum, it will be sold in supermarkets in Britain very soon...
Wow! i have been loking for organic gum for such a long time!
sadly its disgusting