From the shortage of paper to the depleting ozone layer, the world has many problems today. While science is trying to discover a new way to fight these problems, there has been a reasonable solution since the dawn of man. This solution is bamboo and bamboo products. Bamboo and bamboo products have very environmentally friendly characteristics, and can be used as substitutions in many situations.
The depletion of wood around the world is getting to dangerous levels. More places are uninhabitable for trees to grow, and it takes more and more wood to not only produce all the paper we need, but create housing and the popular hardwood floors for the people who are more susceptible to allergens.
Many businesses and consumers are turning to bamboo for many solutions to the problems that are becoming increasingly more distressing. Some of these solutions include:
Bamboo paper - With nearly 1 million acres of forest land vanishing a week, according to Johnson's article, "Use of Eco-Friendly Bamboo Products on the Rise", using bamboo for paper in offices is essential. It is nearly impossible to go completely paperless, with technology in different levels in the country, and all the paper used being made of bamboo helps.
Flooring - Bamboo flooring has been shown to be an easy alternative to hardwood flooring. As strong as or stronger than the number one hardwood flooring material, Maple wood, the bamboo is becoming increasingly popular because of the many finishes it can be acquired in, as well as the strength of the flooring.
Housing materials - As a building material, bamboo can be superior to wood. Taking very little time to replenish, and being comparable in tensile strength to steel, bamboo is being used more and more in housing and fencing.
Erosion control - Planting bamboo is becoming a defense against erosion control as well. The thick root systems are excellent in keeping the dirt in place for other agricultural feats, and for preserving the land.