Much Ado About Bamboo
By Tiffany Washko 

More and more we are hearing about bamboo and how it is now being used in ways that are a far cry from the conventionally available tiki torches and fishing poles. Now you can find bamboo in flooring, crown molding, clothing, bed linens, towels, paper, and even cloth baby diapers.

So why exactly is bamboo all the rage? It is a very durable material that is used to make some of the most beautiful and luxurious items around. It is also an environmentally responsible choice.

Bamboo and the Environment

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on this planet. While some think of it as a tree it is actually grass and it grows one third faster than the fastest growing tree; it reaches a harvestable size in three to five years. Some species grow as much as four feet a day. It requires no pesticides, is harvested with no impact to the environment, and is capable of complete regeneration without need to replant. Bamboo also helps mitigate water pollution due to its high nitrogen consumption. This is great news for those conscious of the environment.

Bamboo’s Amazing Durability

Bamboo is a viable replacement for wood. Not only can it be harvested faster but it rivals wood in strength and durability to. It is one of the strongest building materials, with a tensile strength that rivals steel. Bamboo withstands up to 52,000 pounds of pressure {psi}. Its tensile strength is eight times that of oak or maple. In addition to its hardness rating, bamboo is also resilient. This means it “bounces back” after most impacts and doesn’t dent. These qualities make it an excellent choice for hard floors, cabinetry, and moldings.

Bamboo is Soft as Silk

Bamboo is also gaining popularity in the textile market. Its soft, silky feel, its antimicrobial quality, and its breathability are making this eco-friendly fiber a big hit. Bamboo fabric also dyes very easily making it a great choice for all sorts of colorful towels, bedding items, and clothing. It has even become popular among the manufacturers of cloth baby diapers because of its silky softness, eco-friendly status, and its ability to withstand numerous launderings while still looking like new.

Bamboo is Beautiful and Practical

The use of bamboo translates into some of the most beautiful and luxurious home items available. The beauty and majesty of this plant, its all-natural qualities and Asian origins are making this fiber a much sought after product. It has so many uses that you can bring this beautiful plant into nearly every room in your house. No other plant has as many uses and impacted so many cultures in so many ways.