7 Reasons Bamboo is a better option than Cotton

Minimal Crop Losses
Bamboo has always been grown without pesticides where some non-organic cotton requires 1/3 pounds of fertilizer per pound and can be determined to use 25% of all chemical pesticides used on American crops. Though organic cotton has gone great strides to make sure that their environmental impact here is less, the process still isn’t perfect. Unfortunately because methods of reducing pests are limited to composted manures, innovative yet time consuming weeding strategies, trap crops and beneficial insects, organic cotton may experience more crop waste where bamboo is naturally resistant to insects or infecting pathogens.

Bamboo Uses 1/3 less Water to Grow
Bamboo requires no irrigation requiring 1/3 the amount of water to grow than is necessary for cotton. Water is becoming more of a bounded commodity every day and many farmers don’t have the necessary water to grow their crops properly. Bamboo has always been a self sufficient crop that needs no irrigation and uses water much more efficiently that cotton and other trees.

Bamboo is a Self-Replenishing Resource
Bamboo rarely if ever needs replanting. The miracle of bamboo is that it miraculously will sprout on its own and one acre of bamboo will yield 10 times more than one acre of cotton. Cotton needs harvesting and re-planting each year which can be a process. Some species of bamboo can grow up to 3 feet a day and can be fully harvestable within 3-4 years all while replenishing the crop on its own.

Stronger than Cotton
It’s no secret that viscose from bamboo is one of the strongest and most affordable fabrics to wear, sleep in, or just cozy up against. Whether you are talking about a shirt or pants, or bed sheets or towels, bamboo will outlast cotton in keeping shape, strength, and durability three times over when cared for properly. The care methods are simple and efficient and don’t require any special methodology. Bamboo materials also require less washing than most cotton which also plays a part in life cycle of a product. On top of this, the bamboo fibers require less dye that cotton for coloration, and are noted to keep their bright colors significantly longer.

Softer than Cotton
Now, Egyptian cotton is a very coveted form of fabric and therefore is also very expensive. Viscose from bamboo has been compared to some of the most luxurious fabrics like silk and Egyptian cotton but costs much less. Another plus to this amazing soft material is that it is also hypo-allergenic and can be worn by anyone without causing any allergic reactions or skin irritation whereas that is not always the case for cotton.

Bamboo is More Absorbent and Breathable than Cotton
Moisture is everywhere even when we don’t notice it. Our bodies sweat and the air emits moisture, and sometimes this can become irritating, embarrassing, or just plain uncomfortable when wearing a material that won’t absorb moisture quickly. Bamboo is 40% more absorbent than even the finest organic cotton, wicking moisture away from the skin much faster and keeping you dry and comfortable easier. Bamboo can take in three times more water than its weight which once made into a fabric, means that it also is able to get rid of moisture faster.

Bamboo Smells Better and Stays Cleaner
One of the most amazing properties of bamboo itself is that it has antimicrobial properties referred to as “Bamboo Kun”. These natural antimicrobial bio-agents make help reduce bacteria that thrive on clothing and other materials as well as on the human skin. Ever wondered why bamboo floor mats are so popular in countries where shoes aren’t worn inside a whole lot? It might have something to do with the fact that these antibacterial properties keep things smelling on a constant basis. This is the same for bamboo clothing, sheets, and towels.

One bamboo clothing, bedding and bath goods retailer that provides an ideal opportunity to experience the benefits of bamboo firsthand is Cariloha. The bamboo brand is geared toward the comfort driven and eco-conscious individual who’s wanting to enjoy a fabric that’s not only soft and cool to the touch, but also clean and green for your body and humanity. It’s the only brand with a full line of merchandise made of viscose from bamboo blends.

Learn more about the benefits of bamboo and see more eco-friendly bamboo products right here.

Online sources
https://www.youtube.com/embed/3a4AIM2_AyQ?feature=oembed
http://blog.ettitude.com/bamboo-sheets-versus-cotton-sheets/
http://thegreenlivingcenter.com/node/137
http://bamboovillage.com.au/blog/reasons-to-wear-bamboo-clothing/
http://bamboosheetsshop.com/bamboo-bedding-eco-friendly/
http://www.organiclifestyle.com/organic-cotton/benefits-of-organic-cotton-vs-bamboo-fabric/
https://sustainability-ornl.org/Documents/bamboo%20vs%20cotton%20facts.pdf