Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Think Green Thursday



Michelle of Rambling Woods hosts this important meme.

The Perfect Non-Timber Alternative
All Green Things

Bamboo truly is a remarkable renewable resource. It is a centuries old material that has been and continues to be used by over half the world's population for applications as varied as food, shelter, fuel and clothing. These applications make bamboo a vital non-timber, non-petroleum resource. With a tensile strength superior to steel, it is one of the most versatile and durable natural resources in the world.

Bamboo plays an important role in the reduction of timber consumption, environmental and forest protection, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development of rural economies. It is the fastest growing canopy for the re-greening of degraded lands and releases 35% more oxygen than equivalent timber stands.

Bamboo is a highly renewable material. It is one of the earth's fastest growing plants. Bamboo needs no replanting,
grows without fertilizers or pesticides and is harvested from controlled stands with an astounding growth cycle of three to five years. Bamboo is not a wood, but a species of grass. There are more than 1200 species of bamboo in the world. Moso (Phyllostachys pubescens) is our preferred species for its versatility, renewability and beauty. Importantly, Moso bamboo is not a species consumed by the panda. Bamboo offers vital economic and ecological benefits to the lives of millions of people worldwide; providing food, fuel, housing, furniture, artisan products, and soil and water conservation.

Bamboo at a Glance

* An enduring, fast growing and truly renewable resource, it needs no r
eplanting.
* A high-yielding, viable replacement for wood and petroleum based products.
* Important economic and ecological benefits including soil and water conservation, jobs, numerous product applications and food- more then 1000 documented uses.
* Amazingly short growth cycle, it can be harvested in 3-5 years versus 15-20, typical for many hardwoods.
* The fastest growing plant on the planet, some species can grow up to 1 meter or 3 feet per day.
* A critical element in the balance of oxygen and carb
on dioxide in the atmosphere.
* A renewable alternative resource for agro-forestry production.
* Bamboo shoots provide a nutri
tional source of food which can be made into bread, cakes scones and cookies.
* Environmentally friendly reduction of pressure on forests through wood substitution.
* Products can be made in rural environments, reducing industrial and urbanization impacts.
* Bamboo is durable, sturdy and strong - harder than Red Oak and Maple.


Double walled nesting baskets are ideal catch-alls in the kitchen and around the home. Stuff with fresh produce, herbs, fruit, bread or toiletries and countless other items.

This chopping block rocks! Every home cook knows you can never have too many cutting boards. Made of 100% organically grown bamboo that absorbs little moisture, which minimizes shrinking, swelling and warping, making it a superior choice of material.

This appetizer serving tray is made from 100% organically grown bamboo. Show off your excellent taste and care for the environment while entertaining your guests!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

This was a very timely post for me Mary as we are going to be getting rid of our old carpeting and I am looking for some green replacement, but I don't know much about it. Thanks for posting to Think(ing) Green... Michelle

whitewitch said...

Bamboo proliferates in majority of tropical countries. It does have a lot of uses and look great as decor items or when used in furniture. Your post highlights the need to tap into this renewable and very useful resource.

Christine Gram said...

I got hooked on bamboo when we were searching for flooring for our house. I love our bamboo floors.

Putz said...

well teac, are you tring to teach me something about bamboo...my dad in tooele utar had bamboo all along his back fence to cover windows in the kitchen family room from prying eyes and the neighbor said, what in the hell is that corn that failed to mature, when he knew what it was, he said"liar, that stuff only grows in africa, liar...he was so stttttuuu, i won't say it....any way white witch, it grows in cold utah as well as in tropical countries, i guaranttee that it does

Maude Lynn said...

My bamboo sheets are incredible!

bobbie said...

Bamboo is, indeed, very fast growing. It can actually be a terrible pest in the yard, unless you have a whole lot of land. But what a versatile plant! I enjoy many products made from it.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

My ancestors used bamboo for many many things. They had a bamboo farm in China. When I went tothe Mulu caves in Borneo, the welcome drink was served in a bamboo tumbler.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

http://ann-mythoughtsandphotos.blogspot.com/2009/11/think-green-thursday-bamboo.html

Here's mine,

Is there a theme every week?

Durward Discussion said...

Bamboo floors are a wonderful alternative to hardwoods. In the garden, they are beautiful as long as you control the ability to grow EVERYWHERE.