Sunday, August 10, 2008

Bamboo - bountiful and beautiful

What makes bamboo the more eco-friendly choice over wood? First of all, bamboo is actually a species of grass not a wood, and is one of the earth’s fastest growing plants. Some types of bamboo can grow as fast as 3 feet per day! And because of its short growth cycle, it is truly renewable as it needs no replanting. It is known for its strength, considered harder than maple or red oak, and possesses a tensile strength greater than steel. Bamboo makes a great alternative for hard wood flooring because of its durability, not to mention a beautiful natural appearance. It’s versatility makes it an appealing substance for everything from furniture to utensils, and it’s roots are used in some foods. Another application for bamboo is its use in textiles. Bamboo can be spun into fibers, and the resulting fabrics have a silky smooth feel. Jersey knit made of bamboo fibers are naturally anti-bacterial and breathable resulting in a comfortable, cooling effect when worn. Bedding, towels, and blankets can also be made of bamboo resulting in a silky cotton-like feel.

Other earth-friendly facts:
Good for the air - bamboo crops release more oxygen than their timber equivalents
Good for the soil and ground water – it grows without the need for pesticides or fertilizers
Good for the economy – it provides many food and product applications, humane jobs, and encourages rural manufacturing reducing the impact of industrialization

So good for the environment,
So go green and have fun finding modern home products utilizing bamboo!
Bamboo for the bedroom, bathroom, barbeques, and just for fun featured here all week long.

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