This is NOT a sponsored post! 🙂
When tested with an XRF instrument this small Tunisian olive wood bowl from Trader Joe’s had the following readings:
- Bromine (Br): 5 +/- 1 ppm
- Copper (Cu): 12 +/- 8 ppm
It was non-detect (Negative) for the following metals:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Arsenic
- Chromium
- Antimony
- Selenium
- Barium
As with all of the test results reported on my blog, testing was done for a minimum of 60 seconds unless otherwise noted. Tests were also repeated multiple times to confirm the results. Test results are science-based, accurate and replicable and were done using an XRF instrument testing in “Consumer Goods Mode.”
I think this is a lovely environmentally conscious gift for the following reasons:
- It is negative for heavy metals.
- It’s handmade.
- It is inexpensive.
- You can buy it locally at a Trader Joe’s store and don’t have to incur the cost and environmental impact of individualized shipping.
- It’s made of solid natural wood, nothing else (except the removable sticker on the bottom which is – unfortunately – plastic.)
- It will last for a very long time if cared for properly.
- It has myriad uses! (a great little place to put keys or rings or change – whatever you might use a pretty little bowl like this for!)
- It can be composted at the end of its life (I recommend caring for it with olive oil, not mineral oil!)
- From the labeling it appears that it was made from end-of-life (non-producing) trees.
I LOVE olive wood!
When I went to Greece for my honeymoon with my ex-husband in May of 1994 little bowls and other functional and decorative items made of olive wood were everywhere AND inexpensive. I think (back then) these little bowls cost 50 cents or a dollar each and I brought home a whole suitcase full to give to friends as gifts. Fast forward 25 years and I still think these are a great choice, especially from the perspective of an environmentalist!
Thanks for reading and happy shopping!
As always, please let me know if you have any questions!
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama 
Thank you for testing this bowl, Tamara ! I noticed that you recommend caring for it with olive oil, not mineral oil. Is mineral oil not safe even if it is food grade?
I like how you mentioned that it is important to perform tests to confirm the results. My uncle mentioned to me last night that he is planning to buy olive wood bowls for their home and asked if I have any idea what is the best option to consider. Thanks to this informative article and I’ll be sure to tell him that it will be much better if he consults a trusted olive wood products store as they can answer all his inquiries.