[Physical]
As you will know from having checked out our versatile range of activewear, we use recycled charcoal bamboo as the main component of our fabric. The use of charcoal bamboo means that our clothes are lightweight, extremely breathable, water repellent and also anti-odour.
We are certainly not the first to realise the impressive potential that bamboo has, and it can be observed in use around the globe for a wide variety of purposes.
Today we want to take a look at the different ways that bamboo is being used throughout the world, and in doing so, honour this impressive plant!
Medicine
In Chinese medicine*, some components of the bamboo plant are used to help treat diseases that afflict the kidneys. There are also reports of bamboo leaves being used to help treat certain cancers and venereal diseases.
Due to its antibacterial properties, bamboo is useful for treating ulcers and wounds. Furthermore, it can also help to settle the stomach when indigestion or other digestive complaints are being experienced.
Food
Bamboo shoots are widely used in Asian cuisine. They are a great source of dietary fibre*, as well as being low in fat and low in calories. There are certain known health benefits of eating bamboo shoots regularly, such as better digestion. It has also been suggested that the powerful antioxidant properties of bamboo shoots could help to protect against cancer.
The culinary uses of bamboo are particularly appreciated in Japan where the skin is used as a natural food preservative. This is possible because of the ability of bamboo to prevent the growth of bacteria. Because of its high potassium content, eating bamboo is also useful for keeping blood pressure at an optimum level.
Humans are not the only ones enjoying the delights and benefits of bamboo as food. The shoots and leaves are a staple for some animals too – such as elephants and pandas!
Roads and Bridges
In India, bamboo is being utilised to reinforce existing roads and in China bamboo has been used to build entire bridges. It is reported that vehicles up to 16 tons in weight can drive safely across these bridges!*
Houses
More than a billion people already live in houses made of bamboo! UNESCO state that 1000 houses can be made from 70 hectares of bamboo – a massively lower amount than if conventional timber was to be used to make the same number of houses.
During the construction of other buildings, bamboo can also be used to make scaffolding. It is often preferred in the place of metal scaffolding because it is cheaper and easier to obtain.
Furniture
Whether your house is made from bamboo or not, there is nothing stopping you kitting it out with some beautiful bamboo furniture.
Around the globe you can find wonderfully crafted pieces of furniture for every room in your house. Bamboo furniture is not only eco-friendly, but is also very durable and hardy too!
You can also find rugs made of bamboo that will give be a natural and stylish addition to your home. Also, even the utensils and other items in your kitchen can be made from this impressive material, from your cups and your plates to your forks, spoons and more!
Choose Bamboo!
As you can now see, there are plentiful uses for bamboo, and certainly even more than we have listed here!
Choosing to buy bamboo products, whether it be furniture, clothing or anything else is an environmentally conscious choice! Bamboo takes up less space and requires less resources and labour to cultivate than many traditional materials. You can click here to read more about alternative sustainable fabrics!
