by Christian Schweizer
- Bamboo
Bamboo is amazing for the atmosphere
Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide (CO²) and releases 30% more oxygen (O²) into the atmosphere compared to any equivalent mass of trees.
This makes bamboo excellent for absorbing greenhouse gases and producing clean, fresh oxygen.
A bamboo can absorb up to 4.00 tonnes of CO² in its lifetime, a teak tree can absorb 3.70 tonnesof CO²from the atmosphere in its lifetime. It is followed by Eucalyptustree which absorbs 2.46 tonnes of CO².
Research in Japan and elsewhere has demonstrated that bamboo can absorb as much as 12 tonnes of CO² per hectare per year, giving the plant a potentially crucial role in stabilizing our planet’s atmosphere. More bamboo would undoubtedly help the environment.
Bamboo grows really fast
Amazingly fast that is … Some species of bamboo are clocked at growing over 90cm in height in a single day! That’s over 3.8cm within one hour!!
No other plant on earth can do this.
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.
Bamboo Is a great 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 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 strength
The tensile strength (MPa or PSI) of bamboo is one of mother nature’s most intriguing phenomenon. Tensile strength of steel is 24,000 PSI.
Tensile strength of bamboo is amazing 28,000 PSI !
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 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 and its great filter capability
Bamboo charcoal is extremely porous and can absorb large quantities of odor causing bacteria. It can also used in filtering harmful chemicals in water or even bamboo charcoals placed in your closet. This eliminates the need to use chemical scents which only mask the odors.
Bamboo fiber is breathable and sustain temperature
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.
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.
*Source: bamboobotanicals.ca
