Living sustainably brings many challenges nowadays. Aside from trying to find what to eat, how to sort out your garbage and what cosmetics to use, you also need to pay attention to the clothes you’re going to wear. You also need to look for the fabrics that feel comfortable and also look good. As some of you might know, bamboo is the fastest-growing plant which has been widely used in Asia for centuries. For those who don’t know, here is some key information about this miracle plant:
1. Bamboo is actually a grass
Contrary to the popular beliefs, bamboo isn’t a wood, but a grass. Even though it’s usually green, there are other colours, such as blue, red, green and yellow. Although it’s usually associated with Asia, most notably China and India, bamboo can actually be found across all five continents, mainly in Madagascar, Chile, Mexico and Australia.
2. The many benefits of bamboo
You’ve probably seen bamboo plants as a decoration piece, but aside from that, it can also be used in cooking, cosmetics, furniture and textile industry. Thanks to its many properties, it is widely used in medicine to treat various diseases. Also, it is often used in construction and electricity and charcoal supply. Because it tends to release more energy than wood, it’s more beneficial for the environment.
It can be grown inside and outside of the home, so if you don’t own a garden, you can grow it as a potted plant.
3. Bamboo is used everywhere
As mentioned before, bamboo is beneficial on many levels, so it’s not uncommon that is found across many industries. Bamboo fits naturally into agriculture, therefore it’s used as the channel lining in irrigation. Also, because of its hollow tube, it’s often used as the base for many musical instruments.
In Western culture, it’s mostly used as a cosmetic ingredient and in home decoration pieces, such as picture frames and office chair mats.
Back in the day, bamboo was used in weapon-making, but today its uses are slightly different. Because of its sustainable qualities, many brands are turning to bamboo so it is getting much easier to find it. If you ever wondered how to use it, here are some ideas:
- Furniture
Recently, there’s been more and more furniture entirely made of bamboo. Some of them are sofas, armchairs, bar carts and even chandeliers.. Because bamboo is so light, it can be used for terrace chairs and tables.
- Bathroom essentials
Going zero waste is a goal worth considering, and if you’ve ever toyed with this idea, the best place to start would be your own bathroom. We generally waste a lot while using different personal hygiene products.
Switching to reusable toiletries can definitely reduce personal waste, so next time you’re shopping for bathroom products, consider bamboo toilet paper and sanitary pads. Try replacing all the plastic products with ones containing bamboo and other eco-friendly materials.
- Kitchen essentials
In Asia, bamboo has been used for a long time, but did you know that it can be used in making different kitchenware? That’s right, there are many products made of bamboos such as cutting boards, spoons and spatulas. This doesn’t mean you should completely stay away from plastics, instead try slowly replacing plastic items with those made of sustainable materials.
Caring for bamboo kitchen essentials isn’t hard, just make sure to remove all the food remains with dish soap and a sponge before you rinse it with lukewarm water.
- Oral hygiene
People usually don’t pay attention to the quality of oral hygiene products. The majority of us buy whatever toothpaste and toothbrush we find, but did you know that switching to bamboo toothbrush can not only help your teeth but also the environment?
Recently, bamboo toothbrushes have been getting more popular, because bamboo is antimicrobial which means fewer bacteria in your toothbrush handle. It’s definitely proper dental care at its finest. Also, after you decide to throw it away, you can do it in peace knowing that you’re not contributing to the increasing plastic waste polluting oceans and beaches.
- Clothing
Bamboo isn’t as well-known as cotton, but that’s slowly changing. The market for bamboo has been steadily growing since 2004, which isn’t surprising since bamboo is strong yet soft and also very durable and resistant to smell and bacteria. The bamboo fabric is covered in micro-gaps, which allows for more airflow.
Therefore, it’s recommended to use bamboo clothing for exercise and other sports activities. Also, since this plant is so beneficial, it’s recommended to get baby clothes for your little one, as fabrics made of bamboo are much healthier and more pleasant for both babies and toddlers.
- Skincare and cosmetics
Bamboo can be used to heal and regenerate the skin as it contains 80% natural silica, which is an organic compound that keeps the skin healthy and glowy. Aside from this, the bamboo extract contains amino acids and antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. It can also strengthen the skin, which is great for those who suffer from skin outbreaks and acne. So if you’re looking to protect your skin from dirt and other pollutants, look for gentle cleansers, toners, and creams that contain bamboo extract.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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