If you’re an environment enthusiast, you’re most likely aware of the problem that plastics pose. Recently, there has been more and more focus on the health of our environment, and so research has been done into materials that could provide the same purpose as plastics without the harmful fallout. A material that has become known as a brilliant rival to plastics is bamboo. Using bamboo as an alternative to plastics provides companies, manufacturers and consumers with an environmentally friendly option. Let’s find out more about the benefits of bamboo.
What is the problem with plastics?
Although plastic has many uses, it is harmful to our environment. Plastics aren’t biodegradable, they only degrade over time (and they take a very long time to break down). During the process of plastics breaking down, they release toxic chemicals into the environment, and they are released into the soil and water. The manufacturing of plastics also requires the use of fossil fuels and oils, creating more pollution and further exacerbating the damage done to the environment.
What is the advantage of using bamboo?
Bamboo is a material that is 100% biodegradable. Products made from bamboo are therefore sustainable and environmentally-friendly. As a material it also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and is a much more conscious choice than plastics. Let’s explore some of the advantages of bamboo:
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Very fast-growing material
Bamboo is a very fast-growing material, ready to be harvested in just 4-5 years after being planted. This ensures that there are continuous stores of bamboo that can be used to manufacture products in place of plastics.
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Entirely decomposable
As a 100% biodegradable material, bamboo will entirely and easily decompose. The process is so much quicker than that of plastics, and it doesn’t release anything harmful into the soil or water, ensuring our safety and a cleaner environment.
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Can grow with fertilisers
Bamboo is easily grown without the use of fertilisers. Chemical fertilisers can sometimes cause harm to the environment, polluting the soil and sometimes altering its pH. This even releases greenhouse gases, which is the opposite of what we want.
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Releasing a high amount of oxygen
Bamboo is very oxygenic in nature, producing up to 35% more oxygen than other plants. This is very helpful to the environment, being beneficial in their growth as well as in the process of using the material for production purposes.
What products can be made out of bamboo?
There are many products that can be made out of bamboo, and it doesn’t take much effort for you to simply buy bamboo products instead of your usual alternative. You could see bamboo being made into:
- Drinking straws
- Toothbrushes
- Wireless keyboard and mouse
- Eyeglasses
- Phone cases
- Cotton buds
- Reusable face wipes
Recycling and being environmentally conscious is such an important part of our everyday lives, and the move to bamboo could help you be more aware of your impact. If you have some large plastic products that you need to get rid of, our team at Junk Taxi can help you. Any of your large household or garden waste can be collected by our experienced team, and we will dispose of it responsibly. If you require our services, just get in contact with us on 020 3092 2961 or email info@junktaxi.co.uk.