Nick Daugherty

Im really excited to write about this, because I know Im breaking some major news to many of you. Kids, my music just got a lot more organic.

True, were only using real instruments with real players on the new CD, but were using some new organic gear that you really ought to know about.

I just received a sample of guitar picks and drumsticks made from wheat. Can you believe it? Wheat!

For years, people have been telling me that I could help stop global warming by using different light bulbs, but FINALLY, theres a company out there that can truly help reduce our dependency on wood and plastic.

Its called Wheatware' and its the real deal.

Wheatware make compostable guitar picks that offer an alternative to the millions of plastic picks manufactured each year  without sacrificing performance. And the Wheatware drumsticks deliver all the performance advantages of wood, yet are made of a sustainable material that doesnt kill trees.

Here are 5 reasons Im SO EXCITED to break the news on Wheatware:

• It reduces our reliance on foreign oil
• Its renewable. We have an abundant surplus of American wheat every year
• It reduces our need for wood and trees, saving our forests, which help to cool the planet
• Its completely natural and non-allergenic
• Its biodegradable. If you bury Wheatware in the ground, it turns to compost in 90 days

On 07-07-07, while I was playing my 365-day finale concert, Wheatware donated 272 pairs of Wheatware Compostable drumsticks, 3,240 Wheatware Compostable guitar picks, and 4,100 Wheatware Compostable clothes hangers to the Live Earth musicians like John Mayer and Kanye West. Now, just a few months later, theyre available to you and me!

You might also check out their other biodegradable products:

• Forks, knives, and spoons
• Chopsticks and wasabi dishes
• Golf tees
• Clothes hangers

The launch of Wheatware products is part of Wheatwares Great Switch-Out from Wood to Wheat, and Im happy to say Im on board. Shouldnt you be too?

UPDATE: I spoke to the folks at Wheatware, and they offered me a special coupon code to get 10% off on your order. Just use the code below when you check out. But hurry, this code wont last forever.

I have been using my new Wheatware guitar picks for about 10 days now, and Ive gotta say, they feel great. Plus, the sound off the strings is not plastic sounding like my regular picks. It sounds more like Im using my fingers to play than a pick. Overall, I think it is much richer and crisp then the fender picks I usually use.

For pick chewers: if youre like me, you have a habit of chewing on your picks in between playing. I can tell you honestly that these babies really hold up  no teeth marks. Theyre even kinda tasty.

Im not a drummer, but I just read where Josh Redlus from a band called the Beemones, commented:

The picks had great attack and felt comfortable to hold  very solid feel. And you got to feel each strike of the sticks on the drums, more so than hickory, kind of like maple sticks I once had and loved. I guess thats sort of a by-product of the material, but I see it as a great feature. I definitely endorse them!

Have you tried any Wheatware products? Did you like them? Leave me a comment and let me know!