Bamboo was first found and used in China about 5,000 decades ago. Technically classified as a bud, it grows faster than any other plant in the world. Since bamboo also requires few fertilizers and pesticides and small irrigation, it has become a popular environmentally friendly construction alternative. Sometimes bamboo can grow up to 3 or 4 feet each day and can attain maturity in five to eight ears compared with 30 to 50 years for many trees. Additionally, The Environmental Bamboo Foundation claims that bamboo reduces carbon dioxide gases; a grove can release 35 percent more oxygen to the air than a similar-sized plot of trees.
But, bamboo’s environmental advantages are not entirely clear cut. While we know that the United States Green Building Council’s LEED program awards tips for bamboo flooring, we also know that certain manufacturing procedures, deforestation issues and advertising truths are clouding the issue.
Here we have a look at a few of the facts to assist you make an informed choice about using this stunning material for your home.
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Durability
Bamboo is an incredibly strong and durable wood. In some parts of Asia, it is used for rugged scaffolding.
Using the standardized Janka hardness test (that measures the force required to embed a .444-inch steel ball into a depth of half of its diameter in wood), bamboo ranks among several of the most difficult woods on the market. The hardness of standard bamboo floors ranges from 1,180 to approximately 1,380 pounds of force, while goods produced by newer production methods, such as strand woven bamboo floors, range from 3,000 to more than 5,000 pounds of force.
Natural pine color is similar to that of beech; bamboo must go through a carbonizing procedure (using steam under controlled heat and pressure) for darker stains. This procedure can cut the floor’s hardness considerably.
K West Images, Interior and Garden Photography
Bamboo is durable and resistant to insects and moisture. Timber bamboo could be grown successfully in the southern United States. The poles must be left on the plant for at least three years until they are harvested and stored vertically in the shade to dry.
Colors Of Green Landscape Architecture
The water-use efficacy of pine is projected to be twice that of other trees, raising its capability to take care of harsh weather conditions such as droughts, floods and elevated temperatures.
Bamboo grows rapidly, can be cut back with quick regrowth and is an evergreen plant — making for a beautiful green wall in this garden
Neiman Taber Architects
Environmental Considerations
There is a concern that the rising popularity of bamboo floors has caused the clearing of forests and the development of more plantations.
Keep an eye open for bamboo certified to the criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which means it meets standards for ecological sustainability and social responsibility.
ZeroEnergy Design
Most bamboo floor utilizes a urea-formaldehyde (UF) glue in the lamination process, which can have environmental and health impacts. But, formaldehyde-free bamboo floors is now provided by several manufacturers.
Jane Ellison
There are many bamboo textile products now on the market. But a word of caution for the environmentally aware: Bamboo must undergo a few chemically intensive manufacturing procedures to get from raw material to the cellulose fibers which produce the end fabric and it is, therefore, actually classified as a rayon.
Whilst bamboo fabric might be better than petroleum-derived materials such as polyester, and is probably no worse than nonorganic cotton, there are definitely ecofriendlier natural substances on the market.
Cary Bernstein Architect
Programs in the Home
Ancient Chinese tradition says three stalks of lucky bamboo represent joy, prosperity and longevity and make good feng shui energy in the home.
Bamboo stalks also result in a beautiful organic and organic screen.
Kate Jackson Design
Because of its lightweight and durable features, bamboo works nicely as a substance for blinds. Moisture resistant, so it’s easy to wipe down, but most important, bamboo blinds produce a superb sunscreen while still letting you see out.
A solid eco-friendly tenet is reinvention, which reduces waste and discourages consumerism. This wonderful backsplash made from a bamboo blind is as beautiful as it’s kind to our world and the wallet.
Catherine Monaghan
The Chinese have used pine pulp for paper bamboo wallpaper is now marketed as an eco friendly wall covering.
But, make certain that you know where your bamboo wallpaper is coming from. Stick with goods which are made locally — having a merchandise shipped from far away and from an ecologically sensitive area may reduce your bamboo wallpaper’s ecofriendliness.
Design Manifest
Bamboo is a popular lightweight but strong solution for furniture also. It works nicely. You can find plenty of examples, like this beautiful side desk, at secondhand stores.
However, remember, bamboo does not need to stay a pure color — it could be brought up-to-date with a lick of paint. Consider a environmentally friendly paint to keep its eco credentials.
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