Almost on a daily basis, people are reminded of the damaging effects we are doing to the environment and only planet. Global warming, mass rates of deforestation, and an over population are all contributing to the depletion of natural resources. People are taking more than we can give back and something has to give. So how can one plant help? It won’t save the world (yet) but it is a good start …
Bamboo Is Great For The Environment
Bamboo Absorbs Carbon Dioxide – Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide and releases over 30% more oxygen into the atmosphere compared to an equivalent mass of trees. This makes bamboo excellent for absorbing greenhouse gases and producing clean, fresh oxygen. We can all use a lot more of that.
Bamboo Grows Fast – Amazingly fast that is … Some species of bamboo are clocked at growing over 3′ (90cm) in height in a day! That’s over 1.5″ (3.8cm) in one hour!! No other plant on earth can do this. Watch a 24hr time lapse video.
Bamboo can reach full maturity in 1 to 5 years (dependent on species). Hardwood trees can take 30 to 40 years. It is the only woody plant that can keep up with the rate of human consumption and deforestation.
Bamboo Is A Renewable Resource – When bamboo is harvested, it will continue to grow new shoots from its amazing root system. There is no additional planting or cultivation. Bamboo requires no chemicals, pesticides or fertilizer to grow and thrive. It’s very own fallen leaves provide the necessary nutrients that get recycled back into the soil.
Every part of the plant can be utilized in one way or another with zero waste. After the bamboo material has reached it’s life span, it can be recycled back into our good earth. Bamboo Prevents Soil Erosion – After a hardwood forest is cleared, the soil below is exposed to the elements and eventually erodes away into the rivers and streams harming wildlife. The root system of bamboo continues to grow after harvesting. New shoots will emerge and the roots still prevent soil erosion and maintaining nutrients. Bamboos Versatility In Growing Conditions – Bamboo is highly versatile and can grow in all sorts of climate zones and soil types where other crops fail.
Bamboos Versatility In Building Material – The tensile strength of bamboo is one of mother nature’s most intriguing phenomenon’s. Tensile strength of steel is 24,000 PSI. Tensile strength of bamboo … 28,000 PSI (yes, you are reading that correct!). Bamboo is intrinsically strong in its molecular structure and has been used as a standard building material for the majority of the world for thousands of years. Bamboo can replace the use of wood for any application from hardwood floors, furniture, utensils, bike frames, phone cases to almost anything imaginable.
Bamboo Is Healthy For You
Bamboo is great for the environment around us, but it is also just as beneficial to people.
Bamboo Is Anti-Bacterial – Bamboo contains a natural bio-agent known as Bamboo Kun. Bamboo Kun is naturally anti-bacterial. It is so effective that it eliminates and prevents over 70% of bacteria that attempt to grow on it, whether this be in its natural or fabric form.
Bamboo does not require any pesticides or chemical fertilizers for healthy growth. It is seldom eaten by pests or infected with pathogens as a result of the Bamboo Kun.
Bamboo Is Deodorizing – Bamboo charcoal is extremely porous and can absorb large quantities of odor causing bacteria. It can also used in filtering harmful chemicals in water.
An ever increasing list of items requiring natural deodorizing properties are being made with bamboo. This includes bamboo shoe insoles, bamboo deodorant, bamboo bed sheets, bamboo linens, bamboo socks, bamboo shirts to even bamboo charcoals placed in your gym bag or closet. This eliminates the need to use chemical scents which only mask the odors. With an increasing percentage of people allergic to chemical scents, bamboo deodorizers are a great alternative.
Bamboo Fiber Is Breathable And Absorbent – An amazing property of bamboo fiber is that it is excellent at absorbing moisture, keeping the skin cool and dry. Even when moist, it does not cling to skin allowing great breathability.
Bamboo Fiber Sustains Temperature – The insulating characteristics of bamboo fiber make it great for sustaining body temperature. It cools people down when it’s hot and it keeps people warm when it’s cold.
Bamboo Is A Healthy Food Source – Bamboo shoots have been a staple food source for thousands of years, especially in the Asian culture. Bamboo shoots are low in fat and calories. It is also an excellent source of fiber and potassium. One serving of bamboo shoots provides 10% of your daily recommended intake.Crispy, crunchy bamboo shoots can be served in your favourite soups, salads or as a great complement to your main entree.
Source: http://www.bamboobotanicals.ca/html/about-bamboo/bamboo-facts.html
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