Bamboo (by wiseGeek)

Bamboo is a plant, commonly grown in Asia. It is a type of grass with a hard, woody, hollow stem.

There are several varieties of bamboo; some are as short as one foot (30 cm) in height while others can grow to ten times that size. The root structures of bamboo plants vary and they are often scientifically classified by root type. Many different climates support bamboo, although it is commonly associated with the tropics.

Bamboo fiber resembles cotton in its unspun form, a puffball of light, airy fibers. Many companies use extensive bleaching processes to turn bamboo fiber white, although companies producing organic bamboo fabric leave the bamboo fiber unbleached. To make bamboo fiber, bamboo is heavily pulped until it separates into thin component threads of fiber, which can be spun and dyed for weaving into cloth.

Bamboo fabric is very soft and can be worn directly next to the skin. Many people who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibers, such as wool or hemp, do not complain of this issue with bamboo. The fiber is naturally smooth and round without chemical treatment, meaning that there are no sharp spurs to irritate the skin.

Bamboo fabric is favored by companies trying to use sustainable textiles, because the bamboo plant is very quick growing and does not usually require the use of pesticides and herbicides to thrive. As a result, plantations can easily be kept organic and replanted yearly to replenish stocks. The process of making unbleached bamboo fiber is very light on chemicals that could potentially harm the environment.

In textile form, bamboo retains many of the properties it has as a plant. Bamboo is highly water absorbent, able to take up three times its weight in water. In bamboo fabric, this translates to an excellent wicking ability that will pull moisture away from the skin so that it can evaporate. For this reason, clothing made of bamboo fiber is often worn next to the skin.

Bamboo also has many antibacterial qualities, which bamboo fabric is apparently able to retain, even through multiple washings. This helps to reduce bacteria that thrive on clothing and cause unpleasant odors. It can also kill odor causing bacteria that live on human skin, making the wearer and his or her clothing smell more sweet. In addition, bamboo fabric has insulating properties and will keep the wearer cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The versatility of bamboo fabric makes it an excellent choice for clothing designers exploring alternative textiles, and in addition, the fabric is able to take bright dye colors well, drape smoothly, and star in a variety of roles from knit shirts to woven skirts.

USES

Bamboo is commonly used as a food source. Bamboo has a crisp texture and light, sweet flavor. It generally assumes the flavor of ingredients it is combined with, so bamboo shoots are often used as fillers in Asian cuisine. While some bamboo can be eaten raw, some varieties must be cooked to remove some toxic elements.  Bamboo shoots are edible new growth harvested from the bamboo plant. They are very popular in the cuisine of many Asian nations, and have been used in places like China for centuries. Although bamboo shoots rarely appear in Western cuisine, many Westerners are familiar with them, since they are frequently used in Asian restaurants. Asian markets often carry fresh bamboo shoots, which need to be carefully prepared before they can be used. Canned and frozen shoots are also available and are usually ready for use, although they are not as flavorful.  The giant panda enjoys it too; pandas subsist almost completely on bamboo plants. 

Bamboo is also used as a construction material. It is an extremely hard substance, although it should be chemically treated to prevent insect infestation and rot. Since it is a quickly growing grass and can grow in dense conditions, it is considered one of the best renewable resources on the planet. Bamboo was used to create the earliest suspension bridges in China and today it is used in a variety of building projects. It has also been used to craft boats, zeppelins and airplanes.

Bamboo is also used to make a variety of household goods. You can find furniture, dinnerware, sporting goods, jewelry and handbags comprised of it. It has also been used for flooring, cutting boards, wind chimes and nearly any other good that is commonly made of wood.

Bamboo is a beautiful landscape plant and is often used to create a privacy screen. However, it must be planted with a bamboo specific root barrier to keep it from spreading into other areas. It reproduces as quickly as it grows so it can quickly take over a garden.

It is important to note that the "lucky bamboo" many people have growing in their homes is not actually a member of the bamboo family; instead it is a Dracaena, an easy to grow house plant

Bamboo fabric is a natural textile made from the pulp of the bamboo grass. Bamboo fabric has been growing in popularity because it has many unique properties and is more sustainable than most textile fibers. Bamboo fabric is light and strong, has excellent wicking properties, and is to some extent antibacterial. The use of bamboo fiber for clothing was a 20th century development, pioneered by several Chinese corporations.  

Bamboo Table link                         Bamboo Linen link