Have you ever wondered if bamboo is sustainable? It seems like a simple yes or no question. But what many fail to realize is that it’s more nuanced than a one-word response. For you to answer this question effectively, you need to understand how bamboo is grown, processed, and broken down.
Before you finally make up your mind to spend cash on a bamboo cutting board or any other bamboo product, it pays off to know what you’re dealing with in the first place. Below are some of the things you need to know before buying bamboo products for your sustainable home.
What Makes Bamboo Sustainable?
You might not know this, but bamboo holds the world record for the fastest growing plant. Surprisingly, a stalk of bamboo can grow nearly 3 feet in a single day. And it is not just the speed that makes bamboo sustainable, it also happens to be strong and durable given its length.
Contrary to what many people believe, bamboo is a grass, not a wood. It boasts pliable and bacteria-resistant properties that make it super versatile. This explains why it is used in everything from flooring to cutting boards.
Is Bamboo Biodegradable?
Bamboo has the potential to decompose in around 6 months in home compost. Depending on the soil conditions, a bamboo toothbrush buried in the ground will biodegrade in about 3 years. One of the easiest ways to speed up the process is by breaking the bamboo product into smaller pieces before composting. Alternatively, you can take it to an industrial compost center.
Bamboo Products are Plastic Free
One of the good things about using bamboo products in your home is that they are plastic free. Many people would rather use alternatives like bamboo because traditional plastics can release harmful chemicals into the home environment. That’s what makes bamboo chopsticks reusable.
Summing Up
These are some of the things you need to know before using bamboo products. Keep in mind bamboo is very durable and most items made from it will last for a long time. This makes it great for things like furniture and flooring that take a lot of wear and tear.
Either way, you should never skimp on proper care and maintenance if the bamboo product is to last for a very long time. The good news is you can clean bamboo with hot, soapy water and a soft rag to keep it looking great for years.