The Ecological Benefits of Bamboo Flooring

Forests are disappearing at a rate of almost 1 millionflooring is ideal for rooms with varying humidity, like a
acres each week. This staggering speed ofbasement.
deforestation is forcing many world lumberA bamboo field can produce up to 30% more
companies and governments to rethink theiroxygen than a hardwood forest of similar size, while
manufacturing policies and business practices. A 70-75removing toxins from the soil and preventing erosion.
foot tree that is cut for lumber can take up to 65It also helps reduce the amount of carbon dioxide
years to replace. Bamboo, on the other hand, isand other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
considered the world's fastest growing plant and canBecause bamboo is a type of grass, it can
be replaced in less than three months. Some speciesregenerate itself without replanting after harvesting.
of bamboo can grow 3 feet per day.Since it is the fastest growing plant on earth,
There is a high consumer demand for green productsbamboo is quickly becoming a popular source for
that are environmentally friendly, durable, affordableefficient and sustainable building materials.
and attractive. When given the choice of using highBamboo has a wide root system, making it a natural
quality, ecologically friendly building materials overwater control blockade. It reduces rain runoff,
traditional products, consumers are overwhelminglythereby preventing erosion. Bamboo can store water
choosing products of a sustainable andwithin its shoots and, because of its nitrogen
environmentally conscious variety.consumption, can prevent water pollution. Often
In general, the public is becoming more and moretimes, bamboo will be grown near wastewater from
aware of the rapid decrease and reduction oflivestock farms and sewage treatment facilities
hardwood forests and the threat that deforestationbecause of its cleansing and detoxifying properties.
can pose to a delicate ecosystem. Bamboo flooring isTraditional hardwood forest lumber such as maple,
a great choice for those who wish to not contributebirch and oak take almost 50 years to be renewed.
to destruction of such an integral part of our globalThat, in turn, causes less oxygen to be produced,
ecology. It is termite, rot and moisture resistant andless greenhouse gases to be consumed, and more
functions as a top-notch flooring material.erosion and runoff in the cleared land. Instead of
There are many types of bamboo flooring availabledepleting our natural resources and contributing to a
for to suit each homeowner's unique style. Distressedfailing ecosystem, choose bamboo. It is the logical
bamboo floors have an antique look. Strand wovenand environmentally friendly choice for flooring in a
bamboo has a hybrid grain between wood andmodern home.
bamboo and is extra resilient. Laminate bamboo