You probably wondering why there is so much talk about Bamboo. Up to now, cotton has been one of the most popular fibres for clothing and bedding, but there has been a change away from this natural fibre. So, I thought I better explain why we love bamboo.
Do you realise how many chemicals are used in the growing process of cotton? And that some of the most harmful pesticides used on cotton are either suspected or confirmed carcinogens (cancer causing). Not only that, but cotton requires huge amounts of water to grow. There has been many cotton producers who have tried to produce a more eco-friendly product, but the cotton requires unsustainable amounts of water. It takes 1500 litres (400 gallons) to grow enough cotton to make one t-shirt!
This is where Bamboo is different. Bamboo is not a wood, but comes from the grass family. Being a grass means it can regenerates after being cut just like a lawn without the need for replanting or the surrounding environment. Fast growing; it can be harvested every three years. Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial, so it doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers during growth, unlike cotton which needs both.
Unlike cotton, very little bamboo is irrigated and a lot of it to be grown in a relatively small area, easing pressure on land. Bamboo releases 35% more oxygen into the air than trees. The root system of bamboo actually helps preserve soil and prevent soil erosion, whereas the replanting of cotton crops leads to soil erosion and a severe reduction in the quality of the soil through its use of pesticides on soil organisms.
What I love about bamboo is that it is very versatile as it can be used as food, fibre and shelter. When it comes to clothing and bedding made from bamboo, there are a lot characteristics to be excited about. It is warm in winter, cool in summer. Bamboo is great at absorbing moisture and has natural anti-bacterial properties, which means you can stay fresher longer. What it is really exciting is that clothing made from bamboo can be composted and disposed of in an organic and environmentally friendly manner, unlike synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester which are not biodegradable and remain in landfill for longer.
If you ever had Chinese, you have most likely had bamboo in your stir fry at some stage. On the otherhand it can be used like wood to make everything from kitchen utensils like spoons and bowls, to making furniture like tables and chairs. You probably have noticed a lot of houses using bamboo floating floor boards. Demonstrating the many uses of this beautiful sustainable material.
At Earthly Passion we are passionate about providing you with natural products that don’t cause harm to you and the earth.