It is therefore interesting to look at the applications that such a material can have and its possibilities of integration into our Canadian agriculture.
Let’s tackle its flaws
Let’s start by clearly establishing the negative points surrounding bamboo. When it comes to the use of bamboo and its processing, there is no real problem. However, two points seem to stand out and could well present some headaches. When it comes to bamboo production, as mentioned in the introduction, Asian countries are the largest producers and exporters. This therefore means that we must take into account additional energy costs and CO2 emissions to transport the raw material to processing centers that may be in North America or Europe, for example.It would be easy to say that, since bamboo is a plant that grows extremely quickly, its cultivation would be adapted to the colder temperatures of Quebec. Although this is factual, bamboo production is extremely delicate since this plant is considered an invasive species. Indeed, bamboo roots are known to spread quickly and over a huge area. When it is the only one grown in a certain area and no crop rotation or other measures are put in place, it is produced in excess, it absorbs most of the minerals and the water ends up in the soil, which harms other plant species and greatly impoverishes the soil for future crops. By limiting biodiversity, we also reduce the wildlife present in this region.
Is there a solution to these problems? It is possible to produce bamboo here, it just needs to be done the right way. Controlled production, in a very specific region and away from any biodiversity could limit imports from Asia while allowing real progress in the bamboo production and processing industry in Canada.
The green tree
When bamboo is produced according to appropriate environmental standards, when it does not contain chemical or other fertilizers and when it is not imported from a distant country, it becomes a real competitor in the ecological field. Cultivated without excess and according to the right method, it allows to eliminate certain toxins harmful to other species; it also has the possibility of regenerating the soil, which would allow to consider more than a simple agriculture respectful of nature, but also an agriculture where the soil regenerates itself.In addition, surprisingly, bamboo captures about 4 to 5 times more CO2 than deciduous trees for example. Rather interesting when you know that it takes decades for a tree to reach full maturity and that once reached, there is a good chance that it will be cut down because of increasing deforestation while on the contrary, bamboo reaches maturity in a few years and once reached, it can grow a meter per day, which is incredible for the yield of a single plantation. All this, without any pesticides, fertilizers, or any other chemical product and for a fraction of the weight of a tree trunk, thus reducing the environmental impact and the cost of transport.
What to do with this particular plant?
As mentioned in the introduction, bamboo is a versatile plant. It can be used on a construction site as well as to brush little ones' teeth. In fact, it is used in Asia to make toothbrushes, razors, chopsticks, bowls, baskets, etc. Almost anything you can dream of can be made with bamboo. One of the great advantages of this grass is that it is biodegradable, which means that when a product made from bamboo has reached the end of its life and is thrown in the trash, it pollutes much less due to its shorter lifespan than its plastic counterpart that will take centuries to decompose.Known for its strength and greater flexibility than wood and some metals, it is also an option to consider when making scaffolding for construction sites. It is even possible to make entire constructions solely from bamboo. Quite resistant, frames or load-bearing walls will not be able to overcome it. The use of bamboo is also very trendy in interior decoration; it allows to bring a more tropical and exotic character
Like a large majority of plants on Earth, it is also possible to make clothes from bamboo. However, two important facts should be noted about this industry. First, it is common to find products made from bamboo viscose. The vast majority of these are considered non-ecological because they require chemicals during their design. Then, there are products made from bamboo fiber that are of good quality and most often, ecological too. The only downside is that these items usually cost more to make, so expect to pay a little more to get them.
Take a look at our wide variety of bamboo products