| Bamboo, a sustainable and renewable crop, is now | | | | is tough. Bamboo's hardy root system may be |
| being spun into fabric for eco-conscious | | | | used to stabilize land from erosion. Farmers don't |
| consumers. | | | | even have to replant this crop. Bamboo manages |
| What are the environmental pros and cons of | | | | this all by itself. |
| bamboo fabric? How itchy and rough are bamboo | | | | This compares favorably with the heavy doses of |
| textiles? | | | | chemicals required by cotton production. |
| Bamboo material gets high marks from some | | | | Evaluating the environmental effects of processing |
| environmental writers. | | | | bamboo fiber into fabric is a different story. |
| The London Mail extols bamboo fabric, hailing it as | | | | E Magazine notes that harsh chemicals are |
| absorbent, soft, durable, and lightweight (Apr. 27, | | | | necessary for hydrolysis-alkalization and bleaching |
| 2008). | | | | bamboo stalks to make yarn. E concludes, |
| Bamboo fabric feels soft to the touch, more like | | | | however, that these manufacturing processes are |
| silk or cashmere than cotton, raves E/The | | | | less harmful than making cotton, nylon, or |
| Environmental Magazine (Dec. 2008). | | | | polyester fabric. |
| Ideal uses for bamboo cloth are summer and | | | | As well, there is a greener way to fabricate |
| active wear. This is because the material sheds | | | | bamboo yarn. First, bamboo stalks are |
| microbes and odors, as well as being breathable, | | | | mechanically crushed. |
| argues Elaine Gaston of Knight-Ridder Business | | | | Enzymes, naturally occurring substances, do the |
| News (Jan. 21, 2007, p. 1). | | | | next step. The cells are are reduced to a wet |
| What does it take to transform a tough plant | | | | mess that is spun into yarn, reports McKinney |
| used for hardwood floors and furniture into a | | | | (Sherbrooke News, Oct. 15, 2007, p. 11). |
| soft, silky cloth? | | | | The verdict: Bamboo is an environmentally friendly |
| Bamboo is a plant marauder with invasive roots | | | | crop, but we have to look at labels vigilantly to be |
| that kill off other species on its land. This explains | | | | sure bamboo fabric is organic. |
| why it can be grown without chemicals: Bamboo | | | | |