Christy R.’s blog

My Plan for D

 The final article. 

Bamboo Clothing
Bamboo clothing is a modern invention that originated as a desire for a greener planet. It is considered the ‘most sustainable natural fiber on earth with many extraordinary qualities’, along with being comfortable, durable, and stylish. (“Do You Bamboo?.)ⁱⁱⁱ

Contents:

• Organic
• Fine quality
• Debates

Organic

Unlike cotton, bamboos do not require a huge amount of water, fertilizer, or pesticide. They are the fastest growing plant of the whole world, taking a time span of approx. (approximately) 3 months to reach full height and 3-4 years for maturity. They are also known to improve soil quality in degraded and eroded areas of land due to its rapid spread in large areas, and they absorb carbon dioxide approx. 5 times faster than normal trees. In addition, bamboo clothing is 100% biodegradable, which means it can be recycled more easily. Because bamboo clothing is organic, its popularity can increase photosynthesis and reduce the greenhouse gas that adds to global warming. ⁱⁱⁱ

Fine quality

Why is bamboo clothing better for you? Along with being extremely soft and ‘luxuriously comfortable, it absorbs and evaporates sweat quicker(3-4 times better than cotton), it has a thermo-control system that allows your body to breathe easier in hot weather(2-3 degrees cooler) and keeps you warmer in cold(2-3 degrees warmer). (“About bamboo clothing: Why is it better?”.)It is an antistatic material, and it also cuts down 98% of harmful UV rays that attack your skin.Bamboo clothing is antibacterial and antifungal, naturally. Because it acts against bacteria, wearing bamboo keeps you feeling fresher, cleaner, healthier, and smelling better for longer. (Less cloth washing needed, more free time, more water saving!) Besides these advantages, bamboo clothing has a smooth and round texture, with little harsh chemical treatments that can irritate skin. Since it is also antibacterial, it resists the spread of bacteria on the skin. This makes it perfect for sensitive or allergy prone skin. ^ivv

Debates

Although bamboo fabric is considered eco-friendly and ‘the new silk’, there is a debate over whether it is truly as eco-friendly as many claim it to be. (“Bamboo Eco-Fashion”.) As a production step, harsh chemicals, possibly toxic - are used to break down the bamboo pulp from the plant. Despite the fact that bamboo clothing is still an improvement from synthetic clothes and inorganic clothes, many of its manufacturing companies are criticized and questioned for the way they produce these fantastic fabrics. ^vi

iNaturally Bamboo LLC, “Do You Bamboo? .” Naturally Bamboo. 2007. Naturally Bamboo LLC. 26 Apr 2008 <http://naturallybambooclothing.com/>.

iiBreckenridge , Jenn. “To Bamboo Or Not To Bamboo.” In The Loop; eco fashion news and reviews brought to you by Greeloop. 13 Mar 2008. Greenloop. 26 Apr 2008 <http://thegreenloopblog.com/2008/03/to-bamboo-or-not-to-bamboo/>.

iiiBamboo Clothing Ltd., “About bamboo clothing: Why is it better?.” Bam. 2008. Bamboo Clothing Ltd.. 23 Apr 2008 <http://www.bambooclothing.co.uk/why_is_bamboo_better.html>.

ivBamboo Clothing Ltd., “Frequently Asked Questions.” Bam. 2008. Bamboo Clothing Ltd.. 25 Apr 2008 <http://www.bambooclothing.co.uk/why_is_bamboo_better.html>.

vFashion Organic Clothes, “Why Organic.” FOCS; Fashion Organic Clothes. 2007. Fashion Organic Clothes. 25 Apr 2008 <http://www.fashionorganic.cn/whyOrganic.asp>.

viManning, Johneen. “Bamboo Eco-Fashion.” Suit101. 12 Apr 2008. Suit101. 29 Apr 2008 <http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/bamboo_eco_fashion>.