Bamboo flooring certainly reflects not only class and culture, but also an environmentally-friendly conscience and clearly consumers continue to pursue the use of bamboo in their own homes (otherwise, we’d be out of the job!).
Bamboo shoots in their raw form.
However, bamboo is a very versatile plant that can be used in a variety of other applications around the house and yard. Actually a member of the true grass family, bamboo is the fastest growing of all woody plants in the world (they can grow up to 24 inches a day); it seems only natural that its application would be just as vast. I’ve compiled a list of other uses for bamboo that you can easily implement as a part of a weekend project or great home renovation.
Baskets – Basket-weaving has been a cultural tradition for centuries, pre-dating electricity, running water, and even Jesus! Using bamboo to create baskets can serve a functional purpose or simply adding decorative flare. Consider using a bamboo basket to hold your fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes, onions, or even apples. Take your bamboo basket into the living room and house your weekly magazine subscriptions or the daily newspaper rather than leaving them strewn about the couch. You can even take them outside to hold your small sports equipment, tools, or even those knick-knacks in your father’s junk drawer at his workbench. Bamboo basketry will not only help you organize but also to accessorize any part of your home.
Food – No, I’m not suggesting you go down to your local pet store and start putting in an order for a baby panda! Bamboo is used in many Asian countries as a vegetable, and with the increased fusion of international cuisines we are starting to see more and more bamboo in the culinary creations found here in the US. An acquired taste it may be, but consider trying a new recipe or side dish to see if the aromatic qualities of the shoots would appeal to your palette.
Beer – In China, bamboo shoots are used to create beer. Enough said.
Medicine – Among its other uses, bamboo can actually be used as a home remedy to cure some of the most common physical ailments. Traditional Chinese remedies for fevers, vomiting, coughing, and even epilepsy have included bamboo for centuries. Though I would not suggest you replace more conventional treatments right away, the natural benefits obtained from bamboo can certainly help to alleviate much of the pain associated with common aches and pains.
Many, Many More – It would be impossible to compose an exhaustive list of all the uses of bamboo in this post, but remember that this readily sustainable plant can be engineered to do just about anything! Bend it, break it, cut it, carry it, burn it, boil it, or throw it, bamboo will serve your purposes. I provided an intro to its application, now go out and see what you can do with it!
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bamboo,
flooring
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