When it comes to saving the environment, there's no weapon more powerful than your wallet.
More and more people begin to alter their spending habits to mirror a growing concern for the health of our planet. And, companies are starting to take notice.
The choices we make when purchasing everything from bath towels to shampoo can spark significant change and wind up saving the world. Which, is why it's essential to choose products made from sustainable resources.
And, as far as sustainable resources go, nothing beats bamboo. Yes, it's true. The panda's favorite snack is one of the most environmentally friendly resources, available today.
Don't believe us about bamboo sustainability? Allow us to change your mind.
The Best of Bamboo Sustainability
We have a lot of stuff. From our gadgets to our cherished knick-knacks, we tend to accumulate an endless stream of belongings over our lifetimes.
From necessities to frivolous impulse buys, the average American household is currently home to over 300,000 things. Now, take a moment to consider the objects around you and the resources used to create them. How many are made from renewable resources? Or from resources that can be recycled? Or not?
We cannot escape needing a certain amount of stuff to live our day to day lives. That said, we can be a little more careful about the impact those things have on our planet.
Here are a few of the most beneficial reasons you should consider adding a little more bamboo to your life.
Save the Soil
Every day large swaths of our planet's forests meet their ends in the name of progress. And, when the trees and bush are gone, there's nothing left to protect the soil from washing away.
Soil erosion is one of the most devastating and least discussed environmental problems facing our world today.
Without roots to hold it in place, topsoil is loose and can wind up washing into rivers where it can choke the flow of water and affect countless lives.
On top of that, without the nutrient-rich soil, the remaining land won't be as fertile; which means that it might unable to regrow vegetation.
With a bamboo crop, the roots of the bamboo stocks stay in place, preventing soil erosion and keeping the land fertile and healthy.
No Extra Chemicals Needed
On top of preventing soil erosion, bamboo can also help protect the earth from potentially harmful chemicals.
Bamboo is a naturally resilient and fast-growing crop. It doesn't need any pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers to protect it or help it thrive.
Other products used in the manufacturing of textiles, such as cotton, tend to rely heavily on chemical additives. And, after a while, all that extra spraying can lead to severe and irreversible damage to the quality of the soil and the surrounding land.
Absorbs More Greenhouse Gasses Than Trees
Everyone knows that one of the reasons forests are so critical to the health of our planet is because trees remove greenhouse gasses from the air.
And, while run-of-the-mill hardwood trees are a vital part of the ecosystem, they aren't as efficient in removing harmful gasses as bamboo is.
Bamboo can eliminate up to 35% more carbon dioxide from the air than regular hardwood trees. And, because bamboo grows much quicker than other trees, you can count on it to keep removing harmful greenhouse gasses even after harvest.
It Can Grow Anywhere
When we said bamboo is resilient, we meant it.
Bamboo, unlike many other textile crops, can grow practically anywhere in the world without issue. It adjusts well to a plethora of climates, making it an ideal product for almost any country or region.
It can grow in dry areas thanks to its ability to retain the moisture in the surrounding soil. This highly resilient crop can also grow in areas that generally receive heavy rainfall.
No matter where you live, be it the mountains or the plains, there's a good chance you can safely grow bamboo right in your backyard.
... And Make Anything
On top of being versatile in where it can grow, bamboo is also very flexible when it comes to what you can use it to make.
Bamboo can replace traditional hardwood in practically every way. From furniture to flooring to building materials, you can use bamboo to craft it all.
This abundant and fast-growing plant also has a softer side that makes it the ideal resource for several more delicate products.
You can also use bamboo to manufacture textiles and paper products. Everything from party-ready paper plates to feather-soft linens can come from bamboo.
The Fastest Plant on the Planet
It may feel strange to think of a plant as being fast, but bamboo is, without a doubt, the quickest growing plant on the planet.
There are types of bamboo that can grow up to three feet in a single day. And, while that may only be one end of the bamboo growth spectrum, all species of bamboo grow pretty quickly.
Due to its growth rate, bamboo growers don't need as much room for their crops. Bamboo replenishes much faster than regular trees or plants like cotton.
A Highly Renewable Resource
Because of bamboo rapid growth-rate and regeneration abilities, it is one of the most renewable resources on the planet.
Unlike regular hardwood trees, a bamboo crop will continue to produce for years to come without fail or need for replanting.
Some species of trees can take decades to reach maturity. So, when you consider that some bamboo can completely replenish in a matter of days, it's no contest in which crop is the most sustainable.
Add a Little Bamboo to Your Life
We are always going to need things. From bed sheets to bookcases, there's no way to escape stuff completely.
That said, it is possible to be more careful about the objects you choose to bring into your life. And, with a little extra research and consideration, we'll be able to save our planet one purchase at a time.
Now that you know a thing or two about bamboo sustainability, why not try out a few bamboo products for yourself? We've got you covered.
We have dozens of beautifully crafted, environmentally friendly goods. Check out our store for a complete look at all of our available sustainable bamboo products.