The Hullabaloo Over Bamboo: A Closer Look at Eco-Friendly Bamboo Clothing

About a year ago, I had the honor of finding bamboo sheets in a funky, boutique store. Now at first, I had visions of a woody, rough fabric that would crunch all night - and worse yet, I could imagine having nightmares about hungry Pandas munching on my bedding.

However, Bamboo is a surprising, amazing renewable resource, and will soon be known as the miracle fabric. Bamboo fabric is not only smooth and luxuriously comfortable, but it has wicking properties. It’s extraordinary natural breathability keeps you comfortable and dry for longer.

Bamboo clothing and sheets are also anti-static, so it sits very well next to your skin, not clinging to it.

It's also UV protective (it cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays) and is naturally anti-fungal. In the wild, bamboo thrives naturally without using any pesticides or fertilizers. Scientists found that bamboo was rarely attacked by pests. After further research, the scientists found that bamboo has an anti-bacterial bio-agent named "bamboo kun". This substance bonds tightly with bamboo cellulose molecules during the normal process of bamboo fibre growth. This natural feature is retained in fabric form. Therefore, bamboo is an excellent choice for those with skin allergies - as it's 100% natural, fights baceteria, and has no chemical agents that act as irritants.

Bamboo grows rampantly without the aid of man, and is the fastest growing plant in the world. Bamboo grows to its maximum height in about 3 months and reaches maturity in 3-4 years. It spreads rapidly across large areas. Because of this, bamboo is known to improve soil quality in degraded and eroded areas of land.

If organic bamboo clothing becomes popular, it means more bamboo plantations, which means more photosynthesis and less greenhouse gas.

Here are some companies in the Happyhippie.com Business directory that offer Bamboo Clothing or Bamboo Bedding:

» Affirm-Aware - Sweatshop free, bamboo & organic cotton fabrics.

» Lilly & Loo - We are pleased to present to you our own line of ecologically friendly baby and children's accessories, including bamboo fabrics.

» Recycle Bin Designs - Retro eco-friendly clothing, bags, and hats featuring vintage, hemp, bamboo, soy, & organic cotton fabrics.