Bamboo belongs to the grass subfamily and is one of the most versatile plants on planet earth. More than 2.5 billion people use bamboo every day. This plant is naturally resistant to pesticides and helps replenish eroded soil. It's antifungal, antibacterial and can grow 2 feet in a day.It also absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide and gives off large amounts of oxygen.
It goes without saying that bamboo is an incredibly interesting and useful plant, but with so many fascinating powers, what are the main uses of bamboo? How do people actually integrate it into their lives?
1. Food
Better known as the panda's main meal, one of the best uses of bamboo plants is as food. Pandas in particular need to eat 25 to 50 pounds of the plant in a day to survive. Even after eating so many crunchy green stalks, giant pandas are lethargic from lack of food. As for sprouts, several species of bamboo are also edible to humans. Bamboo shoots are known for their health benefits. These include weight loss, balanced cholesterol, and anti-inflammatory properties. Bamboo shoots also contain high amounts of vitamins and fibre.
2. Construction
Thanks to its strength and lightness, bamboo is one of the most widely used building materials, especially in regions of the world where it is abundant. Historically and today it is an important raw material for the construction of bridges, houses, scaffolding, slides, attics, roofs and other structures. Part of its popularity is due to the flexibility of the plant. It can be bent, divided, or shaped to suit your needs.It is important to treat the plant before using it as a building material to prevent rot and insects.
3. Textiles
Another of the most popular uses of bamboo plants is in textiles. Manufacturers process the fibres into fabrics, yarns and garments. It is a popular material in the boutiques of the fashion world. But not so fast: a piece of clothing is often advertised as a “bamboo product”, although it is actually viscose.Rayon is made from reconstituted cellulose fibres. It is a manufacturing process that is toxic and releases pollutants into the air. The extraction of bamboo fibres also costs time and money.
4.Fuel
Compared to wood, bamboo has important positive aspects to consider. Because bamboo can grow on hillsides and other areas where it would otherwise be impossible to grow trees, it allows communities to make better use of the space. This is especially true when considering the high growth rate of bamboo compared to other plants. Bamboo products have lower environmental costs than hardwoods, and bamboo's biofuel efficiency is very high.
