Bamboo Fiber Clothing Advantages
The elasticity and soft hand of fabric made form bamboo fiber makes it a popular choice when seeking an alternative to cotton. The bamboo plant grows quickly and requires less moisture than other plants cultivated to produce textiles. Does this Spark an idea?
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Proliferation
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The bamboo plant matures in three to four years. A bamboo plant can grow at the rate of one foot per day and reaches its mature height at the 60 day mark; foliage becomes increasingly dense thereafter. Bamboo reaches full maturity in three to four years, versus the 25 to 70 maturity cycle for other species. Rapid growth makes bamboo an easy tree to repopulate after harvest.
Proliferation
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The bamboo plant has natural antibacterial qualities that increases its resistance to pests (Reference 1). This feature decreases the need for insecticides. However, the antibacterial qualities do not transfer to the finished fabric, contrary to popular belief, but it does preclude extensive pesticide use (Reference 2).
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Conservation
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Bamboo requires very little moisture. Bamboo does not require heavy irrigation, as the trees subsist on little moisture in comparison to cotton plants.
Aesthetic qualities
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Bamboo drapes similarly to silk. Bamboo fabric has a natural sheen and drapes in a manner reminiscent of silk.
Durability
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Unlike luxury textiles, bamboo is machine washable and much stronger than cotton. This makes it attractive for institutional use.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of みゆき Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Diego Silvestre Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mateja Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Paul Synnott
