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Eco-Engineering Articles
Bamboo
Bamboo has become a popular material in the U.S. over the past few years and can be found in a wide variety of products; from floorboards to musical instruments, salad bowls to furniture. You have probably already seen it in many different stores, but how much do you know about bamboo?
The first thing to know is that bamboo has been in use for thousands of years all over the world. Many Asian countries began using it thousands of years ago as both a food source – bamboo shoots – and also as a material in their cooking utensils. Even in the modern era, bamboo spoons are being touted as a safe alternative to use with non-scratch cookware.
Bamboo’s popularity as a material for furniture also goes back to early times when humans discovered the versatility of this quick growing grass. Yes, bamboo is a grass! Because it is often compared to hardwoods like teak and mahogany, many people are surprised to learn that bamboo is not actually a tree. Just like your lawn, a bamboo grove can be cut down and then grow up tall again.
When a grove of trees is cut down, the whole tree dies. After replanting, it will take many years before any trees that are planted to replace the grove are ready to be harvested. Bamboo is different. With bamboo’s ability to grow so quickly, it is a matter of only a few years before the grove can be harvested again. This process can be repeated time and again making it a great replacement for traditional woods. Bamboo also needs little water to thrive and does not require the use of fertilizers or pesticides, further reducing its environmental impact.
While all of these facts are good to know, the thing that attracts most people to bamboo is its beauty. It adds an elegant accent to many different products and serves as the main material in others. With all it has going for it, it is not surprising to hear that bamboo is becoming the natural choice for many consumers.
