10 Incredible Facts About Bamboo

No one loves bamboo as much as we do at Cosy House. But what makes bamboo such a special plant? In honor of World Bamboo Day on September 18th, we’re going to break down the 10 most incredible facts about bamboo!

Bamboo is stronger than steel

Bamboo has been used for building homes and other structures for years. But is it really stronger than steel? In terms of tensile strength, yes! Tensile strength is defined as “the resistance of an object to breaking under tension.” Steel measures out at 23,000 lbs per square inch. Bamboo, on the other hand, has a 28,000 tensile strength. How can bamboo be so strong?  Well, it has a tighter packed molecule structure making it harder to split under tension. 

Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial

One of the best features of bamboo material is it’s hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties. Unlike other textiles, the fibers of bamboo are not chemically treated. This means that bamboo is smoother and thus hypoallergenic. In fact, it’s the perfect solution for anyone who is allergic to natural materials like wool. Bamboo also has a special bioagent called “Bamboo Kun.” This agent is responsible for repelling bacteria in the fabric, keeping it cleaner, longer. 

Bamboo is a renewable resource 

Bamboo is by far one of the most abundant eco-friendly materials. This is because it is by far one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet. In fact, certain species of bamboo can grow up to 3ft per day! This means that farmers can cut down stalks of bamboo and have it renew virtually overnight. The Giant Bamboo even holds the world record for the tallest bamboo plant at 164ft. That’s a lot of bamboo!

Bamboo gives off incredible amounts of oxygen

We’re sure you’ve heard at some point or another that trees produce oxygen. Well, this occurs because they draw in carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen through photosynthesis. This process helps trees grow taller and stronger. Since bamboo grows so quickly, it draws in more carbon dioxide and puts out more oxygen than the average plant. This is why bamboo forests have been recommended as a solution to climate change.

Bamboo prevents ground erosion

Bamboo is what we like to call a “community plant.” When planted, bamboo grows very close together, creating dense patches of growth. In addition, it develops an incredibly intricate root system. This means that it is able to create a barrier in areas that are prone to erosion.

Bamboo is often used in Asian cuisine

We’re guessing you’ve only thought of bamboo as panda food. Surprise! Humans can eat it too! In fact, bamboo has been an ingredient of many Asian dishes for centuries. Now, don’t try chomping into a stalk of bamboo. It’s actually the bamboo shoot that is consumed. Bamboo shoots are the sprouts of the bamboo and are used as vegetables in many dishes. 

Bamboo is a grass, not wood

You may have heard bamboo referred to as “bamboo trees,” but that is a misnomer.  Bamboo is not technically classified as a wood or a tree. “But how can that be?” you might be asking yourself. After all, bamboo is pretty hard, like wood. Surprisingly, what makes bamboo a grass is its hallmark feature: hollow, cylindrical tubes. Trees are the complete opposite, with thick trunks. 

Bamboo grows all over the world

Though it is most associated with China, bamboo is an incredibly versatile plant. With over 1400 species, bamboo grows on five of the seven continents. There are even species indigenous to Australia, Chile, and Mexico. They possess the unique ability to survive negative twenty degrees Fahrenheit and flourish when spring rolls back around.  

Bamboo saves endangered pandas

If there’s one thing that bamboo is known for it’s being the main food for panda bears. Deforestation in China has been devastating to its population of pandas. However, with renewed efforts to save this endangered species, forests full of bamboo have been grown. Though there is still a long way to go to save the panda species, this planting has removed their “endangered” status. 

Bamboo makes super soft pillows

If we’ve said it once, we’ll say it again: bamboo makes for incredible pillows! Bamboo has been utilized as a material for thousands of years, but recently boomed in popularity among the bedding community. Known for its softer-than-silk texture, bamboo pillows are naturally cooling, wicking away moisture and heat from the body, leaving you cool and comfortable. Check out the Luxury Bamboo Pillows here!

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