TLDR
In a world that's going green, consumers are considering the impact that the products they purchase have on the planet. Many people are looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative to products made of a material like plastic – and bamboo products fit the bill.
According to a UN Environment article, little of the plastic we throw away is recycled. Instead, most plastic ends up in landfills where it can take up to 1,000 years to decompose – worse still, it can affect our soil and water.
On the other hand, bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly materials available. According to the Guardian, research in Japan has shown that bamboo can absorb 12 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare per year, which gives the plant an awesome power in cleaning our planet's atmosphere.
Additionally, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) claims that that bamboo is a valuable crop for soil conservation by combatting soil erosion and improving soil quality.
Buying bamboo products encourages the growth of bamboo forests, which have a positive impact on the environment. Therefore, you can live a more earth-friendly life by using bamboo products more often, like bamboo toilet paper.
Here are some products that you may not expect to find made of bamboo.
Bamboo Products in the Home
Bamboo's sleek appearance makes the plant an attractive and practical material for products in the home. A study from Hokkaido University says bamboo has a unique combination of toughness and lightness, making it a great alternative for plastic or wood.
You can easily replace many items in the home typically made of wood or plastic with bamboo, such as picture frames and dividing screens. Bamboo can lend an exotic vibe to the floor and furniture in your home, as well.
image courtesy: kitchenidease.com
Bamboo also makes for great cutting boards, wooden spoons, and reusable drinking bottles and flatware. Bamboo is sturdier and more environmentally friendly than its plastic competitors, so the material can provide long-lasting tools in the kitchen that don't make you feel guilty.
In the bathroom, bamboo bath towels are soft, absorbent, and more eco-friendly than cotton. Bamboo paper products can save thousands of trees per year while also helping communities in need around the world. Furthermore, bamboo toothbrushes are effective replacements for plastic.
Bamboo Fabric and Clothing
image courtesy: greenfuture.io
In addition to its usefulness around the house, bamboo fabric is becoming increasingly on-trend in fabrics and clothing. Bamboo plant fiber is soft and has a unique and stylish look, so many designers have embraced it as an alternative to other materials.
You can use bamboo in other textiles around the house, as well. Bamboo bedding is softer than regular cotton bedding and bamboo drapes or curtains have the look of silk without the expense.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, bamboo plants resist the growth of bacteria, making them great options for families with young kiddos.
Bamboo Musical Instruments
In addition to all its other uses, bamboo is also the best plant for making instruments. Bamboo grows around the world, so many cultures use the material to craft their musical tools.
In an article published in the Annual Review of Materials Research, experts stated that "one material dominates and is frequently chosen for the manufacture of wind, string, and percussion instruments: the grass bamboo."
The article goes on to explain that bamboo is the only material in the world that can be used to make almost any musical instrument.
image courtesy: bluemtguitar.com
Bamboo is an inexpensive and readily available material, making it beloved by those who make their own instruments.
Aside from musical instruments, just about any product that utilizes plastic, wood, or fabric can be replaced with bamboo, including computer keyboards, speakers, and even solar-powered battery chargers.
Do you have bamboo goods in your home? Tell us about your favorite in the comments below! Then, follow us on Twitter for more useful tips and information about all things bamboo.
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