BAMBOO
Whilst not an actual wood, bamboo is a sturdy and strong plant in the grass family. There are many species of bamboo, found growing in climates from tropical to temperate, most bamboo species can be found in East and Southeast Asia.
Pros:
– A light and tough material. (ref)
– It is a fast-growing grass that can be harvested quickly. (ref)
– Bamboo as a crop can be very sustainable, growing quickly and not needing fertilisers. The roots regenerate, meaning they can grow back swiftly and do not need to be replanted. (ref)
– By using bamboo, no wood will need to be harvested, wood can take decades to grow back, whereas bamboo is a lot quicker. (ref)
– Bamboo can grow in less desirable areas and soil types, potentially even abandoned land. (ref)
– Despite not being a wood, it is possible to obtain FSC-certified bamboo. (ref) From this source, bamboo can be trusted to be sustainably produced.
– Bamboo can emit 35% more oxygen than trees. Whilst also absorbing a lot of CO2, meaning it can be very good in the fight against climate change. (ref)
Cons:
– The type of bamboo needed grows in hotter climates, meaning that it will need to be shipped to the UK. Depending on the method used, this can have an effect on the environment.
– It is unknown the extent bamboo is utilised, just because it can be sustainable, doesn’t mean it always is, we need to ensure there are management schemes in place to maintain sustainability. (ref)
– Forests can be damaged to obtain bamboo. (ref)
– Whilst bamboo does not need fertilisers, some farmers are using them to maximise the yield. (ref)
Bamboo Summary
A fast growing grass, the material can be harvested quickly with no use of fertiliser, as bamboo can grow in poor-quality soils. This means it can be harvested sustainably, and can take pressure off of forest and plantation harvesting. Bamboo also absorbs a lot of CO2 and despite being grass, it can be FSC certified. However, one of the biggest drawbacks is the fact that the grass will need to be transported into the UK, and depending on the fuel type, this can have a negative effect on the environment. Data regarding the amount of bamboo harvested and how it is harvested is scarce, and this may be unsustainable depending on the scale. Therefore, certified Bamboo is most likely to be sustainably managed. Wood can serve as an alternative to bamboo, Acacia being an example.
