Looking to have a greener wardrobe? Check out bamboo clothing.
Inside that tough, hard bamboo cane are plant fibers that can be processed to make fabric. The bamboo cane has been used by many cultures throughout the years for housing, flooring, fencing, furniture and more, while the fibrous inside has been used to make paper and now clothing.
The idea for bamboo fabric is a new process developed at the Beijing University in 2001. The process which has been improved upon in the last few years has created an interest in bamboo clothing in particular by those interested in finding more sustainable fabrics.
The growth characteristics of bamboo make it a valuable resource. Fast-growing and quick-spreading, it improves the soil and stops erosion. Bamboo can be grown without fertilizers or pesticides since it is naturally disease and pest resistant.
When I think of bamboo I think of the Giant Panda. I had to wonder if any of this would have an impact on them after all their favorite food is bamboo.
I did some research through the World Wildlife Fund and this is what I found:
The Giant Panda is found only in China. The WWF(World Wildlife Foundation) is in partnership with China and they have set in place a conservation plan that at this time has increased the protected habitats to 50.
From my understanding, the big interest in bamboo is for particular varieties that are better for flooring or clothing and these are not varieties that the Panda eats. I am hoping that increased commercialization of bamboo does not reduce the number of protected habitats set aside for the Panda.
While growing bamboo can be very environmentally friendly there is more to consider. When bamboo is processed into fibers, chemicals are used to break down the inside of the plant so that it can be spun into fiber.
Some of these chemicals are not considered to be safe for the environment. Some manufacturers use safer chemicals than others to process bamboo and they can be found by looking for certification.
Bamboo clothing that is certified by the Oeko Tex Standard ensures that the chemicals used are the safest and that they pose the least amount of risk to workers and the environment. Look for their logo with companies that sell clothing made from bamboo.
It is important to note that the Oeko Tex 100 Standard applies to process the bamboo into fiber and does not certify how the bamboo is processed after that.
Bamboo clothing is soft, breathable and many think naturally antibacterial and antifungal, thanks to “bamboo Kun” a substance in the plant that helps it fight off disease and insects. It is thought that some of these qualities are not lost during processing or through repeated washings.
Bamboo fabric does not hold on to odors like other fabrics. It’s antibacterial qualities help keep clothing smelling fresher. I have found it to be easy to care for fabric that needs no bleach or fabric softener and comes clean easily in cold water with eco-friendly detergents.
Bamboo clothing has a soft, natural sheen and relaxed look. It is described as a fabric that feels like a cross between silk and cashmere. Bamboo is frequently combined with other fabrics which makes it workable in a variety of styles.
The companies below have all been certified by the Oeko Tex standard and process their fabrics with the lowest impact dyes and no bleach. Most use certified organic bamboo.
I can see how it would be wonderful in baby clothing. Bamboosa also has a wonderful collection of super soft and comfy things for the baby. Bamboosa’s concern for the environment shows in their use of low impact dyes for their fabrics to their packing of the product for shipment. Their clothes are created in a sweatshop-free environment here in the U.S.
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