What is Bamboo?

What is Bamboo?

What is Bamboo? Believe it or not, Bamboo is actually a grass. It often gets thought of as a plant or tree, but it is part of the Poaceae grass family. 

Bamboo is unique as it is the largest grass and the only one that can diversify into a forest. Once fully grown, some of the larger species can look like trees with a wood like trunk, but they grow much faster and are much more sustainable than hardwood trees.

There are over 1660 different species of bamboo, which grow in many different regions including Asia, South America and Africa.

Here are some intersting facts about Bamboo!

  • It is one of the fastest growing grasses on the planet. Some species can even grow up to 90cm per day!
  • It has incredible tensile strength, compared to steel, which is why it is used for a lot of construction and building products.
  • The amazing grass is a highly renewable resource. Once it has been harvested the root will continue to grow without the need for re-planting
  • Also, bamboo absorbs up to 3 times more carbon dioxide than trees and releases approximately 35% more oxygen. 
  • Bamboo not only adds a touch of elegance to your space but also works as a natural air purifier. As it grows, bamboo releases oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbs more carbon dioxide than most trees, making it an excellent choice for a green and healthy environment.
  • Bamboo has a rich and ancient history. It has been used for various purposes for over 7,000 years. From building material and tools to paper and musical instruments, bamboo has been a fundamental part of many civilizations throughout history.
  • Bamboo has inherent antibacterial properties, making it naturally resistant to pests and pathogens. This quality makes bamboo an excellent choice for various household items, including cutting boards, utensils, and clothing.
  • Bamboo can actually be edible! Many companies sell bamboo powder or pre-cooked bamboo to use in cooking. However, if you choose to buy fresh bamboo, it's important to know how to prepare it as it can't be eaten raw. There are significant health benefits to consuming Bamboo.
  • Bamboo comes in many different shapes, sizes and colours! There is species of bamboo that are green, black, brown, gold, blue, white, grey, orange, purple, red, variegated, and even stripey!
  • Bamboo cools down the surrounding air by up to 8 degrees in summer! This acts as a natural air conditioning for your garden and any buildings in proximity.
  • Bamboo has become a popular floor choice, thanks to its natural beauty, sturdiness, and renewability. 
  • Bamboo charcoal is charcoal made from species of bamboo. Bamboo charcoal is typically made from the culms or refuse of mature bamboo plants and burned in ovens at temperatures ranging from 600 to 1200 °C. It is an especially porous charcoal, making it useful in the manufacture of activated carbon.

    What is Bamboo in our everyday life? We often see Bamboo in our modern world in the following

    • Flooring - It has greater durability, hardness, and water resistance than hardwoods
    • Worktops - With proper care and maintenance, bamboo countertops can last you a lifetime
    • Furniture - Bamboo is a great choice for furniture as it is water-repellant, resistant to insects and moisture and often lightweight.
    • Kitchenware such as utensils, chopping boards, cutlery, chopsticks - It doesn't scratch your cooking surfaces; it is heat-resistant and anti-microbial
    • Sports equipment such as skateboards, snowboards and some bike frames - Bamboo offer a lighter weight base for sports equipment whilst not sacrificing and strength or durability
    • Bathroom necessities such as towels, toothbrushes, hairbrushes and the stems for cotton buds - Toothbrushes and hairbrushes made from Bamboo can offer softer bristles compares to plastics
    • Mobile phone protective cases - Bamboo is an extremely strong material, helping out with drop protection.
    • Re-usable items like coffee cups, flasks, drinking straws, plates, and bowls - Not only are you using a more environmentally friendly and recyclable material, these a re-useable.
    • Items of clothing like t-shirts, underwear and socks - Fabrics made using bamboo offer excellent ventilation thanks to the microscopic holes in bamboo fibres. Step-One's Bamboo underwear is hands down our favourite Eco-Friendly brand!
    • Toilet paper and kitchen roll - Bamboo is one of the most absorbent natural substances. They never scratch and never leave any lint or residue.
    • Coffee filters and tea - Bamboo coffee filters allow brewed coffee to drip faster and Bamboo tea has amazing health benefits!
    • Musical instruments - Bamboo is one of the most widely used materials in musical instruments such as flutes, guitars, whistles and more!

    What we use Bamboo for

    View more articles all about Bamboo and its uses here!

    If you've got any more questions or would like to visit our care guide, please get in touch info@bamboobathrooms.co.uk

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