Is Bamboo the Sustainable Building Material of the Future? There may be different installation options for bamboo flooring depending on which company you choose. Keep in mind that SFI and PEFC certifications are weak schemes that have little meaning. Natural Home Brands has taken bamboo a step further, creating a patented “Molded Bamboo”, made of bamboo sawdust, rice starch, and a natural, plant based binder. From bamboo cutting boards to kitchen utensils, bambu focuses on a term they’ve coined called “handmadeness.” This means they work with people who work with their hands, from woodworking to stitching. Instead, look for recycled or organic materials like cotton and hemp! We are always researching and keeping up to date with new methods for sustainable textile development and will keep you posted as we learn more too 🙂. ... Bamboo … Have you seen bamboo t-shirts? Is that not the case? Bamboo straws are making a huge splash in the battle against single-use plastics, too! Chairs, armchairs, beds, benches and even lamps are made from this sustainable material. 95% of the bamboo on the market is bamboo viscose. one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stay tuned! So, you might be wondering why we’re asking, “when is bamboo sustainable?” At first glance, bamboo might seem like a no-brainer as a sustainable option–but in some cases, it doesn’t quite meet the eco-friendly mark. Some of the more popular reasons that savvy consumers buy bamboo furniture include: Responding to demand, manufacturers are introducing bamboo furniture models that are elegant, affordable, and available in virtually every style. The carbon footprint. The reasons for buying bamboo furniture are as varied and unique as the people that buy it. Top Green Furniture Tips . In fact, bamboo as a material is now increasingly being used for almost everything from fabric to bamboo flooring. Carbonised bamboo (heat treated to darken its natural colour) has a hardness of 1000-1100 which is still hard than pine (870). In comparison, hardwoods like oak trees take at least forty years before they can be harvested. We know bamboo, as a raw material, can be a good alternative for floors and other housing projects but, to be clear, flooring isn’t our specialty. This renewable, durable grass surpasses other common hardwoods when it comes to durability, strength, and renewability. It is truly a plant of emmaculate design. The chemical process required to create fabric and textile knits out of the bamboo plant can vary. Hey Lou, great question! This has allowed them to create a wide range of molded bamboo kitchen products, offering an awesome alternative to plastic spatulas and bowls. If the bamboo material is labeled as ‘rayon’ or ‘viscose’ bamboo, it is what we call a ‘regenerative cellulose fiber’, which means it typically has undergone a intensive chemical process to convert the natural raw material into a silky smooth material. Materials in Sustainable Furniture. Bamboo grows across vast areas of the earth in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, north Australia and the Americas. Thanks! I seriously want to change my shopping habits and am looking for better environmental choices, but I can’t help having concerns about deforestation due to demand. Several manufacturers offer bamboo bicycles, surfboards, snowboards, and skateboards. Check out these bamboo straws by Brush With Bamboo! We are dedicated to the promotion and use of bamboo throughout the world. We are currently researching which brands are using mechanical or close-looped processes and plan to have something up soon. In addition to bamboo furniture, there are also bamboo ceilings, bamboo wall coverings, bamboo floors, and even bamboo timber! You can also find bamboo rayon, bamboo lyocell, bamboo TENCEL, bamboo modal, and bamboo viscose. If you buy organic bamboo textiles does that mean they have not used harsh chemicals in processing? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! It’s used for furniture and floors, scaffolding, fences, bridges and even bricks. If you see products advertised as bamboo and have evidence that they are actually made from rayon (or viscose, which is the same), then you can report it to the FTC because it is false advertising. Bamboo is a grass which grows super quickly without the need for pesticides or fertilizers–it’s basically a weed! However, the processed or treated product in the end is the most concerning part. So, some companies turn to more drastic measures…. Read more about sustainable furniture here» Rugs and textiles. The dense fibers in bamboo can give the plant extreme flexibility, allowing it to bend without breaking. Sustainably produced, stronger than solid oak, durable, and inexpensive bamboo in now being used for unique and beautiful furniture pieces for both the Bedroom and Dining Room. This item has been added to your waitlist. Maderacraft has harnessed the beauty of bamboo with their sleek, modern line of bamboo tech accessories. Bamboo lumber is also used in traditional Asian architecture, landscaping and furniture. Renewable resource – bamboo can be harvested in one to five years depending on the species. Sustainable furniture can also be made from a material that is easily renewable. Companies are now required to state “rayon made from bamboo” if their fabric has gone through this process. ), natural pest-resistance, and use-versatility, this grass is an incredible alternative to traditional sources of wood material. We haven’t found any information on bamboo being an endangered species, it’s an abundant natural resource, which is why we love it in the sustainability community! From bamboo utensils to speakers to kids’ play sets, bamboo is a common theme throughout our marketplace. Larger items like cutting boards do require an adhesive, but EarthHero works hard to find companies that use eco-friendly adhesive options. From to desktop stands to phone cases and charging stations, they’re here to make your desk sustainably organized. Aside from the fact that bamboo furniture is sustainable, there are plenty of other reasons why bamboo furniture is a great fit for your home. This has allowed them to create a wide range of molded bamboo kitchen products, offering an awesome alternative to plastic spatulas and bowls. Chinese bamboo furniture is a distinct style based on a millennia-long tradition, and bamboo is also used for floors due to its high hardness. What about things like bamboo toilet paper or tissue? (Thanks for all the research you do in order to bring us more environmentally friendly products!). I heard that bamboo flooring was not eco- friendly because the processing uses a lot of toxic glue. And another long one. Show Your Love and Support for World Bamboo Day, Admittedly, we’re a little late to the party in regards to the celebration of World Bamboo Day, ……, Throughout the decades, history has proven that most interior decorating trends come and go like the……. What do you think? https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi34qKSr7nqAhV7wMQBHQFtBlYQFjACegQIDBAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Fnews%2F2004%2F040510%2Ffull%2F040510-2.html&usg=AOvVaw2KIGtC-jbf4VBu7Tu2Hj8_. Paper Some bamboo products are really not eco-friendly at all but others definitely are. Bamboo is becoming an increasingly popular material for everything from fabric to flooring, and recently has come into it own, proving especially ideal for furniture construction. Hey Lynne! When compared to cotton cultivation, which requires large amounts of water, pesticides, and labour, the advantages are pretty clear. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi34qKSr7nqAhV7wMQBHQFtBlYQFjACegQIDBAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Fnews%2F2004%2F040510%2Ffull%2F040510-2.html&usg=AOvVaw2KIGtC-jbf4VBu7Tu2Hj8_, What are Carbon Emissions (and why do they matter? Growing bamboo is about as easy as it gets. In order for bamboo to be sustainable, it usually should be Moso bamboo (also known as giant timber bamboo) which is not endangered or threatened. Bamboo can still be grown unsustainably in a minority of instances, so you can also look for FSC … Bamboo, therefore, is a completely renewable, sustainable source of material that can be used in place of maple, oak, and other hardwoods for applications such as plank flooring, and now, even cabinets and furniture. I understand that bamboo in its natural form is okay but how is it stuck together to make such things as chopping boards? Next time you’re shopping, don’t simply accept products that are “Made from Bamboo”, and say no to bamboo-based rayon and viscose. Browse the other pages of this site to learn more about this amazingly versatile and quickly renewable plant. bamboo furniture. The multi-layer construction of laminated bamboo creates a special effect on the sides of the bamboo panels and beams. Materials used in sustainable furniture are usually recycled. Concerns are good! And another long Sustainable, strong, and highly durable, bamboo furniture is becoming an integral part of everyday life. LOCK is a bending, twisting coffee table made out of layered, multi-colored bamboo ... "LOCK" is a coffee table designed out of highly sustainable bamboo. Bamboo grows easily and can be replaced very quickly, so it can be used as a renewable resource. Here at EarthHero, we’re excited to offer products made from bamboo in its raw form! Onyx + Green has creatively used bamboo with technology, creating calculators and a computer mouse out of the sustainable material! WooBamboo even offers a toothbrush with a handle made of bamboo, so you can start and end your day with a positive impact. Name That is really long. That’s a great question. As with clothing, the sustainability of bamboo paper products depends on whether a mechanical or chemical process is used to turn the bamboo into fiber. Some companies mechanically comb out the bamboo fibers, then spin those into a wearable, malleable fabric. Hi Jannine! Certified sustainable wood Whether a piece of furniture is made from wood, cloth, metal, plastic, or whatever else, … Let us know what you think. This also leads to pest-resistant qualities, thanks to the high silica content that makes the material difficult for pests like termites to digest. It’s even making appearances in southern regions of the United States, making it an increasingly accessible resource for American consumers. In some parts of the world bamboo is frequently used to construct buildings. Don't worry - your email address won't be published! Wasn’t bamboo an endangered species some time ago? Smaller items like utensils and chopsticks are easily able to be made from a single piece of bamboo with no binders. Thank you. Buying a bamboo rug will ensure that you save a tree. Whether or not your bamboo/linen blend yarn is sustainable will depend on the process used by the manufacturer. Growing at an impressive rate of up to 3.5 feet per day, it’s truly a renewable resource. We love bamboo as a raw material, but not all bamboo is created equal. Bamboo scaffolding is the norm across China but bamboo can even be an alternative to steel for reinforcing concrete. I have seen bamboo blinds, pillows made of fiber that is part bamboo, now this …. What about bamboo bedsheets? With the right design, this can be an eye-catcher of any piece of furniture. Bamboo is gaining praise as one of the smartest, eco-friendliest furniture choices available. While organically growing plants organically is always an added benefit of any crop cultivation (from a chemical use standpoint) it doesn’t ensure that processing the fiber won’t require harsh chemicals to turn it into a yarn. Exotic woods like the mango are often used in Oriental rugs. I have some bamboo/Linen blend yarn which is undyed and will be used for knitting. According to World Wildlife Fund, 18.7 … Also which products are 100%bamboo or include glue, binding chemical etc. Green Bamboo Creation makes beautiful bamboo furniture, all grown and made in Nepal by the local people. Bamboo is an ideal choice for Eco friendly Digs sustainable furniture line with its environmentally friendly nature and attractive display. Usually, sustainable furniture pieces are made from renewable sources such as bamboo wood, which is easy to grow and replace. Here they do state that bamboo can be endangered: Furniture. Check out bambu, a B Corp brand that sustainably sources their organic bamboo from Shanghai. Whether you admire bamboo furniture for the look, the price, the environmental sustainability, or these three reasons and more, you're certain to find that bamboo furniture is an investment that will retain its beauty and value for many years to come. So regardless of the question is bamboo sustainable, it’s certainly extremely versatile. It’s a more sustainable and hard wearing alternative for furniture, flooring and many household items. Bamboo is a plant that offers limitless potential for the future. As this blog highlights, not all bamboo products are created equal. You can buy this bamboo chair to combine with a dining table, bench or bamboo coffee table, it is the perfect piece of bamboo terrace furniture for both large and small spaces. Bamboo, above all. To put that into perspective, an average oak tree grows about twelve inches annually, meaning the bamboo plant grows over 1,000 times as fast as oak and most other hardwoods! Couple that with its rapid growth rate and self-regeneration, and it’s a farmer’s dream come true! Unlike wood, bamboo has no rays or knots, allowing it to withstand high amounts of pressure. After you click create, you can head on to that page to update your info and publish your registry! 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