Definition:
Bamboo (subfamily Bambusoideae)is a subfamily of tall treelike grasses of the family Poaceae, which has more than 115 genres and 1,400 species. Bamboos are distributed in tropical and subtropical to mild temperate regions, with the heaviest concentration and largest number of species in East and Southeast Asia and on islands of the Indian and Pacific oceans. Flowers of bamboo are rarely seen. Some species of bamboo develop flowers after 65 or 120 years
Key points:
Fast growing: Some bamboo species are the fastest growing plants on the planet, with growth that can reach 25 cm per day in the growing stage and records of species with more than 1 m growth per day. In just 6 months the plant reaches its final height, from 18 to 30 m, and in the following 3-4 years the woody structure of the canes develops, mature and are ready to be harvested. Bamboo is so fast-growing that it can yield 20 times more timber than trees on the same area.
Carbon footprint: Among the many environmental advantages that the use of bamboos implies, the fact that its forests are one of the largest collectors of environmental CO2 on the planet stands out. Species such as the bamboo can fix more than 100 tons per hectare in each life cycle. It releases 30% more oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbs more carbon dioxide compared to other plants.
Easy growing: Bamboo does not require fertilizers, pesticides or much water for optimal growth - discarded leaves of bamboo provide all needed nutrients when they start to decompose.
Strength: Bamboo has stronger structure than steel. Steel has a tensile strength (the resistance offered by an objecting to breaking or splitting under tension) of 23,000 pounds per square inch while bamboo surpasses steel with a noticeable lead at 28,000 pounds. When compared to wood, bamboo fiber is 2-3 times stronger than timber.
How can it be used?
Industrial side: flooring, houses, roads and bridges, scaffolding, fuel
Everyday consumer: kitchen utensils, cutlery and cutting boards, bowls and plates, furniture, decorations, toys, musical instruments, dinnerware and drinkware, office supplies, plastic elements in tech and accessories.
Daily sustainable switches:
- Switch plastic cups with natural bamboo ones
- Single use cutlery with reusable bamboo one (most of them come in nice satchels that can be kept in purse or car)
- Give up disposable plastic or paper plates for natural bamboo plates that are entirely biodegradable
- Hairbrushes and toothbrushes that are usually made from plastic can now be switched for ones made from this material
- Plastic straws can be now be replaced with natural bamboo ones
All said, bamboo is an amazing material that we can use to reduce or replace plastic consumption. We can adjust our consumer identity and fit in our daily routine items made from natural bamboo than can replace our plastic ones once they are ending their shelf life.
Let us know if you are willing to make the transition to a more sustainable approach and if we can help elevate your brand with our expertise and products.
