Why Bamboo: The Background and Benefits of Bamboo Products
If you walk into our store, I can direct you to at least 30 products that are made from or packaged with bamboo--but why is that?
Almost all companies aiming towards an eco-friendly business stature use bamboo. This is because it is 100% natural and biodegradable and grows at a rapid rate with little maintenance. Bamboo is extremely versatile and can be used in textiles, construction, cooking, transportation, and medicine, making it the material of the future!
There are many benefits just in the harvesting process alone.
Before being harvested, bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide from the air than timber or cotton plants and releases 35% more oxygen than the average hardwood tree. This results in better air quality and better breathing.
Bamboo thrives in a wide range of environments. Where other crops and plants may die from over-hydration or drought, bamboo is durable and will likely survive adverse weather. Additionally, bamboo does not need pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers to grow unlike most crops.
While hardwood trees are cut down and burned at the stump, which erodes soil, bamboo roots stay in the ground after being cut. This process maintains the nutrients and moisture of the soil and prevents soil erosion. Soil erosion can clog rivers, negatively impacting the animals and civilizations downstream from the blockage.
Bamboo requires less water, space, and energy than cotton, making it way more efficient. Harvesting for hardwood trees such as oak occurs about every 45 years, while bamboo only needs 1-5 years depending on the species; it can grow up to 3 feet a day! No other plant on earth grows at that rate.
Once harvested, every part of the plant can be used.
Bamboo can be used for fiber in clothing, bed sheets, towels, and more. The process requires soaking crushed bamboo in sodium hydroxide to produce cellulose. Sodium hydroxide has zero harm or impact on the environment and workers, and it washes away easily, leaving no residue on products.
Bamboo can additionally be used as construction material (ie. plywood) when cut and laminated. Bamboo is one of the strongest materials on the planet, but at the same time, it is still extremely flexible. This results in a product that does not break easily. As flooring, it is known to be more durable than average hardwood floors such as oak. We used bamboo flooring and plywood in our sustainable van conversion!
Bamboo has more benefits to you, the consumer, than any other textile product.
Benefits for clothing, bedding, and towels include:
- A silky and soft feel
- Hypoallergenic and skin sensitivity properties
- Absorbency (more than cotton)
- Protection from UV rays in clothing
- Thermoregulation (year-round usage)
- Durability
- A visually appealing look
- Flexibility and a light-weight structure
When you no longer have a use for the product--relax!
Bamboo is 100% natural and therefore biodegradable. When you are done with the product, the bamboo will just return to the earth through the process of decomposition.
Where you can find bamboo in our store.
To see all of our bamboo products, go up the search bar on our website and simply type “bamboo.” You should get a long list of a little over 30 products that are either packaged with or made from bamboo. Here are some of my top picks:
- Bamboo Face Cloth: I have really sensitive skin but the hypoallergenic properties of bamboo do not irritate me at all. Plus, it is so soft!
- Virtually any makeup product: We source the majority of our makeup products from Elate Cosmetics, and all of their products are in bamboo containers or have bamboo handles--an amazing alternative to plastic.
- Patch Bamboo Bandages: Whether you decide on the Natural, Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, or Activated Charcoal bandages, they are all made from natural bamboo fibers which are sensitive and gentle on skin.
I hope after reading about the many benefits of bamboo, you feel more confident and energized to begin integrating bamboo into your life. If you are actively working on living a zero-waste lifestyle, try looking into bamboo alternatives to substitute many of your everyday items. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Thank you for taking steps towards a greener future!
Citations
"Why Are Bamboo Products Eco-Friendly?". Eco Trade Company, 2021, https://www.ecotradecompany.com/blogs/news/are-bamboo-products-eco-friendly. Accessed 12 May 2021.
Bamboo, About. "What Are The Benefits Of Bamboo In Clothing, Sheets, Towels & Homeware?". Bamboovillage.Com.Au, 2021, https://bamboovillage.com.au/about-bamboo/. Accessed 12 May 2021.
"The Top Ten Reasons Why Bamboo Can Help Save The Planet". Bamboogrove.Com, 2021, https://www.bamboogrove.com/why-bamboo-save-planet.html. Accessed 12 May 2021.
I love bamboo products. I switched to bamboo toothbrushes and kitchenware, and the durability and eco-friendliness blew me away. Thanks for shedding light on these amazing benefits!
I decided to do some research to help my mum in choosing plants and trees for her property because she has been intending to do so. It’s good that you brought up the fact that bamboo can withstand harsh weather and absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than wood. I believe giving it a try would be a great idea, so I’ll be sure to tell her about it and look into the bamboo tree nursery that might be able to assist us in getting one.
https://www.peltonpalmsbamboo.com/bamboo