Bamboo is a tropical grass with some amazing uses and with many countries veering toward “going green”, it becomes all the more important to maximize its usage. With consumer demand for environmental products on the rise, it makes perfect sense for companies to turn to bamboo

as a reliable source for high quality and durable green building material. Not only does it have the tensile strength of steel, but termites refuse to have anything to do with it- perfect for building material.

Officially, it is recognized as the world's fastest growing plant and as a renewable resource it compares well with other commercial trees that take 25-70 years to grow and 10-20 years for harvesting. Bamboo reaches maturity in about four years and some species grow up to four feet in 24 hours and are ready for harvesting every three to four years.

The bamboo root system is unique and is tremendous for the environment. Because of its wide spread root system and large canopy, bamboo greatly reduces rain run off, preventing massive soil erosion. Its high nitrogen consumption reduces water pollution and is often used in the treatment of water.

Bamboo also helps convert 35 percent more greenhouse gases into oxygen when compared to standard trees. Bamboo can be selectively harvested annually and regenerates without replanting. It is a pioneering plant and can be grown even in damaged soil. Because of its density in the forest, it tends to nourish the topsoil making it healthy. There are more than 1500 species and surprisingly more than a 1,000 uses that it can be put to.

Fabric made from bamboo is very soft and has a luxurious feel. Such fabric acts as a thermal regulator, keeping users cools in summer and warm in winter. It absorbs more water than traditional cotton does, allowing a feeling of comfort and dryness to prevail.

Going green with bamboo is the new mantra that is being bandied about, for It is claimed that if bamboo were to replace conventional hardwood flooring, building materials, cotton clothing, and wood furniture and household products, the global warming effects would be completely reversed in 6 years.