How Sustainable is Bamboo?
Everything seems to be made out of bamboo today: flooring, worktops, chopping boards, utensils, ‘phones, clothes and nappies. Everything states how sustainable bamboo is – but is it really? Here’s a few facts.
Where does Bamboo Grow?
Bamboo is native to China and Taiwan. Highly versatile, it can be grown in different climates but grows most effectively and amazingly fast in its natural environment. Some species of bamboo grow 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 which makes it the only woody plant that can keep up with the rate of human consumption and deforestation.
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.
What makes Bamboo sustainable?
Bamboo is a renewable resource: when it is harvested, it continues to grow new shoots from its amazing root system. As the roots continue to grow they maintain the nutrients in the soil and prevent erosion. No additional planting or cultivation is required and chemicals, pesticides or fertilisers are not necessary for it to grow and thrive. Its own fallen leaves are reabsorbed into the soil providing all the necessary nutrients it needs. Every part of the plant is used in one way or another with zero waste.
What are the other benefits of Bamboo?
Bamboo is not only great for the environment, but it is also just as beneficial to people. Bamboo contains a natural bio-agent known as Bamboo Kun which 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. This is why bamboo does not require pesticides or chemical fertilisers for healthy growth.
Bamboo fibre is excellent at absorbing moisture and keeping the skin cool and dry. Even when the fibre is moist, it does not cling to skin allowing for great breathability., The insulating characteristics of bamboo fibre make it great for sustaining body temperature too. It cools people down when it's hot and it keeps people warm when it's cold.
We have taken all these amazing benefits of bamboo and used it to create an award winning super soft, naturally antibacterial, breathable, absorbent eco-friendly nappies and wipes. Find out more about Bamaboo nappies and Bamaboo wipes.
Jennie Potts a wife, mother and the other half of Mama Bamboo. Following a career break, she has jumped back in at the deep end: filling every role necessary for starting up a new company. When she is not investigating more sustainable living and more eco-friendly products she exercises to keep her sane; attempts to manage the 3 men in her life (her husband, her son and her dog) with limited success and on the rare occasion of a quiet moment can be found in the bath with a glass of wine and a good book.