Why Bamboo Could Save the World
Everyone is concerned about the state of the planet. Car emissions are being regulated and one of the hot topics during election season. What some people don't realize is that there is a grass that could greatly help our industries and air quality. That grass is Bamboo. With over 1,200 different species of bamboo is it one of the most diverse types of plants on earth.
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in existence. Some species can grow between 12 and 36 inches a day. In a week a bamboo plant would tower over a human being. Bamboo will reach maximum height within 3 to 4 months and becomes suitable for construction use within 3 years. This is a much more highly regenerative crop than traditional timbers. However, bamboo does not have a very long life span. Unlike trees which can continue to grow for hundreds and even thousands of years bamboo will begin to decay anywhere between 5 and 8 years. Another reason that makes bamboo such a viable building material is that mature bamboo can stand up to steel and concrete in strength. When used in a composite bamboo would be stronger than fiberglass. Gary Young is a huge believer in bamboo. His website, Bamboo Surf Board Hawaii, is full of information on what bamboo could mean for the environment.
Bamboo fibers are also used in the textile industry. Bamboo fabric is said to be softer than cotton and doesn't require the usage of chemicals to grow and refine. Fibers can be pulled from bamboo culms the same way that they are pulled from hemp. While it hasn't made it to the main stream market, there are private vendors of all organic bamboo clothing like Organic Bamboo Clothing . Bamboo is a great choice for people who want to live an organic lifestyle.
Bamboo is a self regenerating crop. It doesn't require replanting after being harvested. Bamboo also produces more oxygen than trees. People in the Eastern world have been using bamboo in their daily lives for centuries. Many people might be turned off to this crop because it isn't part of our every day lives yet. Change can be frightening. Bamboo seems like a highly viable resource that should be explored as we move into the future.