In Praise of Bamboo- Who Knew?

In Praise of Bamboo- Who Knew?

     Now this is one of those posts you might just shake your heads and say, "Duh, Karen, we all knew that!" I had never really given bamboo much thought until about a year ago.  Yes, I knew in China pandas loved to eat bamboo. (99% of their diet!)  I knew that I could buy bamboo shoots for stir fry in the store- it comes in a little can.  But a year ago, while shopping for clothes for baby Charleigh, I came across the softest outfit made from bamboo- from bamboo!! I felt as if I had made some incredible discovery.Unfortunately, I have had trouble finding blankets and sleepers made from bamboo since then. 

     Then the other day, browsing through a local store, I happened upon baby sleepers made of 95% bamboo!  Yes, I had to buy a sleeper for each grand baby.  More importantly, it got me thinking about the uses of bamboo, so I did what I always tell my students to do, I looked it up.  

     And what I discovered was this:  bamboo is environmentally friendly and one of the fastest growing plants in the world.  It is incredibly strong and durable, yet soft enough for baby clothes! 

     In ancient China- and today- the shavings of the bamboo plant, the sap, and the leaves were all used in medicines!  Do you need to make rugs? Bamboo. Sheets? Bamboo. Bridges that can hold trucks? Bamboo.  You name it, bamboo seems to be the answer.  But, don't take my word for it, look it up for yourself!  Here are a few sites to get you started.  My students, if you are still with me on this journey, send me an e-mail or a comment telling me which use of bamboo is most surprising to you.  I am eager to hear what you think.

Fifteen Uses of Bamboo

Bamboo in Chinese Medicine

Bamboo Products

Bamboo- Not a new Discovery

 Harvesting Bamboo Shoots