Bamboo is not just a band
Image from bioniclegmusic.com
Mention the word “bamboo” in Manila and it will be most likely associated with the popular rock band of the same name. While the band has certainly made impressive strides in the Philippines (most notably their participation in UNICEF Philippines “Days of Peace” campaign), we’d like to introduce you to another sort of bamboo.
Hardy, does not need pesticides, easily renewable, and contributes to staving off greenhouse gases, bamboo may be considered a miracle plant. Manufacturers and designers have come up with a variety of eco-friendly uses for its fibers and stalks, ranging from furniture, computer monitors, iPod cases and utensils. Some clothing manufacturers have also come out with bamboo clothing which is said to have anti-bacterial properties.
This is important for developing countries such as the Philippines since this plant grows abundantly on our shores. Harvesting and exporting this material can serve as a sustainable means for our country to alleviate poverty by providing rural communities with a variety of jobs since bamboo can be turned into a number of products. Consideration must be given though, to how the material is handled.
Bamboo products are considered truly “green” if fair labor was practiced, no chemicals were used, and if the plant was grown organically. Often, bamboo fibers are subjected to chemical processes to break down its woody fibers which negates it being “environmental”.
In any case, the possibilities of developing bamboo into a sustainable, eco-friendly means for living is something we can look out for as the years progress, and something our country can definitely benefit from.
