Bamboo: The Environmentally Friendly WoodLast Updated:[3/22/2007 12:21:55 PM]There are many benefits to using bamboo as a source of wood when you really get down and think about the facts. First off, it is great looking, and features a uniquely modern appearance that can come in a variety of colors and styles. It is also a durable and very long lasting wood if aged correctly. The younger the wood was at harvesting time, the less durable it will be in the long run, because it hasn’t had the proper time to fully harden. Not to worry though, because it only takes five or six years to become more than tough enough to withstand the test of time. Another benefit when it comes to bamboo is just how fast growing and easily renewable it really is. Because it grows around 4 meters per year, it can be easily harvested every few years without seeing a reduction in the size of the forest. Some of the faster growing species can even grow 50 centimeters per day during the growing season. The primary reason why harvesting bamboo can be considered ‘environmentally friendly’ even though it is essentially cutting down the forest is because cutting down the top part of the plant doesn’t actually kill it. It’s more like cutting your lawn – before long it’s going to grow back. In fact, cutting the plant actually helps its ability to grow. This is because any new shoots that happen to sprout will grow up faster than ones from an un-harvested plant. Plus, the wood will be of much better quality. In the last little while, bamboo has become extremely popular in flooring and paneling, as well as other types of wooden furniture such as tables and chairs. Another thing to add to the plus side of the equation is eco-friendly companies have sprung up that do not harvest from the habitats of panda bears that are depending on the plants for survival. This creates no real problems for the environment and helps to preserve our Earth the way it is meant to be. And just think – all this at a price comparable with maple. I’d say that’s a great deal. |
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