By Rachel Gray, iVillage.com
With the green revolution taking off, there's a serious push for sustainable, eco-friendly resources. Lately, I'm seeing bamboo test the waters of industries where cotton historically reins supreme.
I'm a huge fan of cotton clothing - comfortable, affordable and easy to care for - but because it's a difficult crop to grow, it doesn't have the best rep when it comes to the environment. Tremendous amounts of pesticides and chemicals are needed to produce cotton, which is not only hazardous to the environment, but the people who harvest it. Maybe it is time to look for a more earth-friendly fabric.
Bamboo fiber is a seemingly great alternative. Unlike cotton, it is sustainable and grows at rapid speeds without the use of pesticides. The fiber, created by crushing the woody stalks of the plant, is turned into a soft fabric that is noted for a breatheability ideal for clothing and bedding.
I plan to test run these bamboo sheets from Gaima to see if they're just as smooth and comfortable as my favorite cotton sets. Order yours, or pick up these affordable ones on your next trip to Target, so we can compare notes.
I'd love to hear what you think.
Rachel Gray, Associate Producer
iVillage.com
http://housecalls.ivillage.com/home/
I wish i could replace all my floors with bamboo, its not only earth friendly,it looks great too.
Could i grow and use my own bamboo cost effectivly?
I agree that there needs to be an alternative to cotton, especially as it relates to being eco-friendly. I do believe there is a better alternative, however. I sell clothing to companies for promotional purposes. In July of 2007, an industry magazine named Counselor Magazine included an article called "The New Organic Guide". The article mentioned that bamboo loses 60% of its strength when wet, so it is not suitable for durable clothes or industrial uniforms. This is why I have focused all of my efforts on selling a line of clothing made of 100% organic U.S. grown corn. There is no oil or petroleum used in the manufacturing of this product. It�s as soft as cotton, but out performs cotton and any synthetic. And it requires 68% less energy to produce; which results in less greenhouse gases.
Bamboo is a fantastic wood with great fibers. As a mature wood it is very suitable as a finish wood.
Bamboo is also extremely easy to grow. All it consumes is water. Add in some eco friendly liquid nourishment and it springs up over night.
Of course dont forget the other material that has also been used for thousands of years; Hemp. A very quickly growing tree, hemp can be used for absolutely anything. Years ago, people were penalized for NOT growing hemp.