Did you know Bamboo has good qualities?

While bamboo can be harmful to your home and property, good bamboo also exists only if maintained properly. Below are some positive qualities of good bamboo.

1. A renewable resource – the fastest-growing plant on this planet,

Bamboo is actually a type of grass, not a tree. Therefore, it grows rapidly and can produce fully mature bamboo plants in 3-5 years.

2. Good bamboo is a critical element in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Bamboo produces 30% more oxygen than trees. Bamboo also helps control water pollution because of its high nitrogen content.

3. A great wood replacement

Good Bamboo is flexible, lightweight, stronger than steel, and more durable than most hardwoods. Bamboo is also more affordable than wood, as it is easy to grow and one of the most cost-effective construction materials available. It can be used as a substitute for any type of wood in construction. You’ll see bamboo turned into skateboards, bicycles, and bike helmets, because it’s lightweight and durable. The many uses of bamboo make it perfect for fencing, flooring, building posts, and house walls.

4.A natural & lasting controllable barrier

Good bamboo reduces rain run-off and prevents soil erosion with its extensive root system and large canopy.

5. Versatile & fast growth cycle

Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly plants due to its versatile short growing cycle (it is harvested every 3-5 years as opposed to the 20 to 50 years of its wood counterparts). Its yield per year is about 20 times or more higher than that of timber. Bamboo has the ability to regenerate without the need for replanting.

6. Essential material for earthquake architecture

Strong, flexible, and lightweight, Bamboo is essential in earthquake architecture. When properly constructed, Bamboo houses can sway back and forth during an earthquake without any damage to the bamboo. In Limón, Costa Rica, only the bamboo houses from the National Bamboo Project remained after the violent earthquake in 1992.

7. A renewable resource for agroforestry production

The advantage of bamboo over trees is the short time from planting to harvest. Bamboo’s versatile ability to provide useful building materials and edible products surpasses that of most tree species. Due to its ecological adaptability and wide range of uses, bamboo is a vital component of many agroforestry systems.

8. An ancient medicine

Bamboo has been used as a herbal medicine in Asia for thousands of years. Often used for its tonic and astringent properties, it is also considered an aphrodisiac. Bamboo’s ancient remedies are still used in many health and body care products today.

9. Culture and the arts

Bamboo is deeply rooted in the daily life of many cultures. Bamboo culture consistently plays a positive role in encouraging people to persevere when facing tough situations.

10. A critical element of the economy

Bamboo grows best in tropical zones, which happen to be prevalent in many developing countries around the world. Bamboo crops provide jobs that support people’s livelihoods. As the popularity of bamboo grows, these countries are enjoying access to a broader market. The continued use of bamboo helps developing economies.

Some uses for bamboo include:

• Panda Food
• Privacy Screen/Fencing
• Back Scratchers
• Placemats and Dishware
• Fishing Poles
• Chopsticks
• Flooring
• Fabric
• Food Source
• Plumbing
• Bicycles