Bamboo introduced itself to the fabrication world in 1990. Since then, it has been a popular material because of its green properties. This is because bamboo is one of the most sustainable and versatile materials on earth. It’s used in furniture, flooring, textiles, and more. Take a look at these five reasons why bamboo became popular and why it’s so “green.”
Bamboo Grows Quickly
One of the biggest reasons bamboo is a greener material is that is grows so quickly. This is because it has an in-depth root system that quickly absorbs water and nutrients. Some bamboo can grow as much as almost four feet per day. It takes lumber trees 20 years to grow that much. It can grow in lots of different environments, too. Bamboo typically grows about two feet per day, but it’s partially dependent on the climate and soil quality where it is being grown. Bamboo farms speed up the process.
Bamboo is Strong
Bamboo is technically a grass not a hardwood tree, but it’s used the same way because it’s so strong. You see it in furniture all the time. Bamboo is stronger in tension than steel, stronger in compression than concrete, and more stable than most hardwoods. It’s modified to be as soft as fir wood or stronger than maple wood. Plus, it’s easier to manufacture bamboo than hardwoods. This makes it an all-around green material for construction.
Bamboo is Flexible
Another reason bamboo is a greener material is its flexibility. It grows in little sections that easily bend without breaking and you can hollow it to offer even more flexibility. Bamboo’s flexibility makes it a popular material for use in clothing. Bamboo blinds are also common window coverings because bamboo is resistant to ultra-violet rays. It can be made into a sustainable cloth and fabric for all sorts of other projects, too. Hardwoods can’t be used in fabric because they are too stiff. Bamboo is a plant, not a hardwood.
Bamboo is Versatile
Bamboo can be stained to look like any hardwood, which means it’s commonly used as a cheaper alternative. For instance, it costs a lot less money to buy bamboo and stain it to look like maple than to buy maple hardwood. In the past, bamboo just had that kitschy tropical look, but now it’s more popular because it can appeal to a wider range of aesthetic tastes. You see it used in flooring, furniture, and much more. And most of the time, you can’t tell the difference.
Bamboo Improves the Environment
Not only is bamboo sustainable, it also helps balance oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air. It can even create oxygen faster than most trees. This makes it a good plant for the environment.
Bamboo is popular now because of its green properties, and more uses are constantly being found for this plant. Do you have anything made from bamboo in your home? How do you like it? Leave a comment below.