The consumer market has already seen a wide variety of iPhone cases and technological accessories made out of bamboo, but now a 23 year-old Middlesex University student named Kieron-Scott Woodhouse has taken the trend a step farther by designing the first smart phone with an all-bamboo casing.

Woodhouse was commissioned to design the new phone for a company called ADzero.  He reports that the external material was not a primary aspect of the design, and that the choice of bamboo grew out of the process of deciding what would be best for the product and the company.  Two considerations led to the genesis of this unique bamboo phone.  Whatever they came up with, ADzero was going to have it manufactured in China, so Woodhouse says that they looked for locally sourced materials.  In that way, ADzero is following the same impulses as the German toymaker Hape, which we reported on earlier.

The second concern, naturally enough, was for the environment.  Those involved in the creation of the bamboo phone wanted to avoid a major environmental impact, and Woodhouse recognized bamboo as being an exceptionally sustainable natural alternative, and found that it could be made just as durable as any plastic.  From there, Woodhouse and ADzero realized the design and manufacture of a smart phone that is already making headlines for its unusual, ecologically friendly construction even before details have been given regarding its release.

What we do know is that it was originally slated to be sold only in China, but that it will now be carried in boutique stores within the United Kingdom as well.  No doubt this is because the creators quickly realized the growing appeal of environmentally sustainable products and of bamboo in particular in Western countries.  Indeed, recognition of the value and diverse applications of bamboo seems to grow on a daily basis.  This latest product goes a long way toward showcasing how much the resource has taken off amongst designers and manufacturers.

Using it for cases and large accessories has demonstrated how it can be creatively used as an alternative wood.  This latest step, however, shows that it can also stand in for plastic and metal.  Using bamboo as a building material allows it to serve as a surrogate for both woods and metals.  The reception of the Bamboo ADzero will make it clearer to what extent consumers are ready to accept slightly less conventional uses of the resource.

It may take a little more time before people widely recognize viscose from bamboo for its value as an alternative to familiar fabrics like cotton, but it seems clear that we are moving in that direction.  Bamboo is coming to be a household word in a widening variety of consumer markets.  The same material can make some of the hardest casings for protection of our devices and the softest towels and sheets for the care and comfort of our bodies.  And in both cases, it does wonders for our conscience or our spirit by serving as both the building material and the clothing of a more sustainable future.

First Bamboo Phone Joins Wide Array Of Bamboo Products is a post from: Green Earth News

Having just celebrated my fourth wedding anniversary got me started thinking about how much time and energy we spend thinking about the perfect gift for our partner with no thought to how eco-friendly it may be.  In keeping our priorities in order, yes, I most definitely want my husband to be happy but I would like to surprise him without doing great detriment to the environment. 

Each year of marriage has symbolic gifts and here are some eco-friendly options for each year:

1^st Anniversary:  Paper is the traditional gift while modern gifts include clocks and plastic gifts.  I’m all for clocks but please don’t junk up the landfills with any more useless plastics!  A beautiful pocket watch or stately wall clock may last a bit longer but I personally am in favor of framing a marriage certificate and/or wedding invitation.  Choose recycled or frames from reclaimed materials.  Even better, put in a little elbow grease and make a bamboo frame!

2^nd Anniversary:  The traditional gift for this anniversary is cotton while the modern gift is china.  Assuming that most of us already have wedding china that is rarely used let’s focus on the cotton gift.  Rather than choose a fabric that is prone to heavy pesticide use and damages land as it is grown and harvested, modernize it in your own way with a cotton alternative.  Choose bamboo!  Stylish bamboo clothing is available for both men and women with new eco-friendly fall fashions debuted at Green Earth Bamboo for a timely cold-weather anniversary gift. 

3^rd Anniversary:  The traditional gift is leather while the modern gift is crystal.  A crystal vase is a beautiful choice but if you’re wanting to stick with the traditional gift, you might want to consider an alternative.  The entire process of creating a leather hide requires 20 times the amount of energy it takes to produce a synthetic material.  As you’re dealing with a product that decomposes, the leather is treated with heavy chemicals including hexavalent chromium salts, cyanide, tannins and lead.  Those are certainly chemicals that you don’t want in your groundwater, much less touching your skin.  If you’re buying something for the mister, consider a vegan alternative to leather whether it be a belt or wallet.  If you’re buying for the missus, consider a beautiful, and sustainably made, bamboo scarf.

 4th Anniversary:  The traditional gift is a choice of books or fruit or flowers while the modern gift includes linen/silk or home appliances (quite the contrast!)  You can always give the gift of knowledge with the newly released Guide to Green Fabrics or go modern and indulge in luxuriously soft bamboo bedding!  If you do go big and opt for appliances, make sure that you buy energy efficient EnergyStar appliances.

5^th Anniversary:  The traditional gift is wood while the modern theme is silverware.  If you’re not ready to purchase additional silverware quite yet, consider investing in some bamboo.  While technically it’s a grass, it’s as strong and solid as wood and is becoming a more popular choice for both flooring and furniture.  If you like to give homemade gifts, consider crafting a bamboo headboard or a beautiful bamboo screen for your beloved.

Soft Bamboo Sheets

For more ideas on eco-friendly living, visit Green Earth News Green Is Grand section!

Eco-Friendly Anniversary Gifts: Making Each Year Count For Mother Earth is a post from: Green Earth News

In the last decade, Apple’s products have reached monolithic status from near bankrupt obscurity. What was once the alternative and weird cousin to the PC is now sleek, sexy and fashionable.  And like all massive corporate companies with a truly sleek, sexy and fashionable product, they’ve put a lot of energy into their environmental policy.

In 2009, Apple unveiled its environmental policy in a very public way. Anytime you want you can go onto their website and see how they’re traveling. The website includes information about their total carbon emissions, split into separate categories. In manufacturing, for example, which they say amounts for a total of 45% of their emissions they’ve made some important reductions. However, how they display this information is important to note. They’ve quite openly manipulated the figures to be as impressive as possible.

They refuse to provide a consistent sampling of statistics. Instead, they offer nuggets like a 50% reduction in emissions in the manufacturing of iPod Classic models from 2001 to 2010. Impressive and certainly worthwhile, but the credibility starts to sink as you go down the list and the years become closer and closer together. The list ends with a 12% reduction in emissions in manufacturing the iMac since 2006. That’s a five year unexplained gap in the sampling of their statistics: an open manipulation of the facts.

(The list was obviously in reach of the marketing department, as it finishes off with the statement: ‘Designing our products to use less material makes them responsible for fewer carbon emissions than previous generations — even though they’re more powerful than ever.’)

Now, these numbers are impressive for Apple and their open attitude about their environmental policy leaves other corporate monoliths massively behind. But corporate skeptics such as me can’t help but look at the beautiful website and wonder what’s really going on behind the curtain. So I have an idea that I hope Mr. Jobs will take seriously.

The main issue with the information at the moment is that it is updated annually. Yawn. Way too slow. And we know Apple technologies can process that kind of data way faster than that. Here’s the plan: let’s present the information in real time with a public website where emissions are tracked minute by minute and those figures are analyzed on the spot. You can’t tell me the technology doesn’t exist for it.

I’m sure that Apple has some skeletons in its’ environmental closet that they want to keep strictly controlled, but imagine if they let those go free. Surely Apple’s branding would survive this? If released honestly, with an attitude of ‘this is our starting point and this is how we’re going to improve’, then surely this would help sales?

More than that, Apple could continue to be a cultural leader as a corporate company and begin an important shift away from shame and into an acceptance of flaws. This is the only way we can ever move forward.

Of course, we’d love them to make further strides in using bamboo in their products (now, there’s a good idea Mr. Jobs). The PC world is well ahead of them in this area. Dell has been using bamboo in their packaging for some time now.  The point must not be lost, however, that Apple’s semi-transparency about its environmental policy needs to be celebrated.

A Greener Apple: Ipad & The Environment is a post from: Green Earth News

While the skin is covered up against the cold, it is still vulnerable to the effects of winter weather.  Dry skin is usually caused when fatty oils are stripped away from the skin (either by environmental factors or something we’re doing to our skin) leaving the skin unprotected.  Less often, the cause can be internal (a health issue or genetic predisposition) or a reaction to medicines.

The winter season brings one of the biggest causes of dry skin – dry air.  Some doctors even refer to it as the winter itch when the dry air draws the moisture right out of the skin.  Even if you’re indoors, the furnace produces enough dry air to cause your skin to dry out.

People also tend to take longer and hotter showers and baths in the colder weather which will wash away the natural oils that protect your skin.  Soap is another enemy in the fight against dry skin along with an unexpected culprit, itchy clothing.  As we pile on layers of synthetic clothing, the burrs and bumps in the fabric can rub our skin raw.

There are many ways to treat and prevent dry skin this winter and surprisingly, bamboo plays a role!

1. Exfoliate!  Over time, dead skin cells build up and become unresponsive to lotions.  So before you lather on anything, you need to remove the barrier of skin cells.  And bamboo is rapidly becoming an “it” ingredient in exfoliants.  When ground up into micro pieces, the bamboo provides a smooth, soft way to exfoliate the skin.  Check out Naturopathica Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub or Darphin Nourishing Smoothing Body Scrub!
2. Moisturize while there’s still moisture!  Get out of the shower, pat dry and then immediately apply lotion to trap the moisture on the skin.
3. Speaking of showers, try to resist the temptation to stay too long in a hot shower.  While we know it feels great in the cold weather, doing so will rapidly dehydrate the skin. 
4. Drink up!  Add moisture from the inside out and make sure to get at least 8 glasses of water a day.  If you’re still exercising during the winter (good for you!), drink more.
5. Avoid irritating clothing.  (And we don’t mean just looks!)  Choose bamboo clothes for a soft, luxurious feel close to the skin with no fabric burrs that might chafe throughout your wear.  And for all the little ones in your life whose skin is far more delicate, take advantage of this fabric with bamboo baby products that will keep their skin comforted and protected. 
6. Use humidifiers!  It’s ironic that a lot of us spend the entire summer complaining about the humidity but then actively generate it in our homes and offices come winter, but that extra moisture in the air does a world of good for dry skin.
7. Watch what you eat (and drink).  Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics and will suck the moisture right out of your skin so try to limit their intake.  And make sure to increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids that will help replace moisture in dry skin and hair.  These fatty acids can be found in cold-water fish, flax seed and walnuts.

Follow this tips and when summer arrives, your skin will be soft, glowing and ready for sunlight after a long winter’s nap!

How To Prevent And Protect Against Dry Skin Using Bamboo! is a post from: Green Earth News

We just set back our clocks and are entering a new season – a season of cooler weather, shorter days and holiday calories!  Instead of waiting until January 1^st to re-energize your fitness routine, take a look at it now  and start making changes.  Minor tweaks often allow you to see some extreme results.

Toss:  Cotton Workout Gear

Your cotton T-shirt and shorts may feel nice and comfy, but they are actually hurting your workout.  Cotton holds in sweat and has a chafing effect on your body.  With cotton, the sweat will stay on your body and in your clothes until you take them off.  If you are outside in the cold with this sweat clinging to your body, you will quickly get chilled.

Instead, wear a shirt made from a wicking fabric.  Bamboo T shirts will draw the moisture away from your body and help it evaporate quickly to keep you dry.

Toss:  Sneakers

Shoes need to be replaced every year if you run or walk 10 miles weekly.  If you are running or walking 15 miles a week, you should replace them every 8 months.  With more exercise the treads on the bottom of the sneakers get worn down and the inside arch starts to deteriorate. 

When you get new sneakers, make sure that they are the right type of shoes.  If you are a runner, make sure you get running shoes.  They are specially designed to give you a maximum performance each and every time for running versus, say, a tennis shoe which is designed for lateral motion.

And don’t forget that bamboo socks are great at keeping your feet dry in those new shoes!

Toss:  Eight glasses of water

Roughly 2/3 of your body is water, and your cells work differently if you don’t have enough water in them.  If your cells are working differently, you exercise performance will suffer.  However, since everyone is different sizes, the standard eight glasses of water may not be what YOU need.  Instead, drink an ounce of water for every 10 pounds of body weight.  Make sure you are drinking your water from a recyclable reusable container too!

Toss:  Gym machine monitor

Recent research shows that elliptical trainers overestimated calorie burn by an average of 30%!  Most machines don’t ask for enough information to accurately assess your workout which leads to incorrect readings.  The machines are set up for a 150 pound, 21 year old male.  If you aren’t that, the machine is probably not giving you a correct reading.  Invest in your own heart rate monitor to get accurate results!

Toss:  Your magazines

When you are trying to read and workout, you are putting your posture and your exercise on hold.  Instead, grab your iPod and listen to some music.  Research done at the Brunel University found that runners who listened to pop or rock music exercised up to 15% longer!  Music is a great motivator.  Make sure to change your playlists at least twice a month, so they don’t get boring. 

Toss:  Your sweatshirt

Cotton sweats seem like the perfect winter fitness gear.  However, they often will cause you to overheat and slow you down.  Instead, you should wear a few layers of wicking clothing plus a bamboo jacket.  As you heat up, you can easily take each layer off and wrap it around your waist.  Also make sure you have a hat and gloves that are made for runners.  Most winter gloves aren’t made out of wicking fabric, so pay close attention to labels. 

Toss:  Dark clothing

Now that it is getting dark earlier, try to avoid wearing black outside.  You will be hard to spot in dark clothing.  Instead, wear wicking clothing that is white and invest in some high tech reflective gear. 

Toss:  Your cheap pedometer

The British Journal of Sport Medicine found that nearly 75% of low end pedometers are inaccurate.  Look for a pedometer that is at least $25 and asks for you to enter your height, your leg length, and other details.

By swapping a few items in your fitness routine, you can easily help improve your workout, your safety, and your health.  Ramping up your exercise routine might also lead to better sleep so make sure that you’re falling into the softest sheets possible after a hard day’s work (out)!

Winter Workout Tips: What To Toss For Effective Exercise! is a post from: Green Earth News

At the Shanghai World Expo 2010, a challenge was given to designers, entrepreneurs and inventors alike to present products that highlighted the enormous potential of the bamboo plant.  As it is a highly sustainable and resilient crop to grow, more and more countries are looking to it for use in manufacturing and development.  Inspired by the Expo’s theme of ‘Better Cities, Better Lives,’ the International Bamboo and Rattan Product Ideas Competition brought to the front and center just how much potential bamboo (along with rattan) truly holds.

Based on an old Chinese proverb that highlights the four necessities of life, the competition was split into four categories – food, shelter, transport and clothing.  Explains Coosje Hoogendoorn, Director General of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR):

“This year’s contest set a simple challenge – come up with one product idea, using bamboo or rattan, to help build better cities and better lives.  Ideas combined traditional knowledge with 21^st century technology as participants found creative ways to innovate, taking cues from both the ancient and the modern.  I commend all the entrants for their creativity and congratulate our winners, who have all successfully combined social, environmental, economic and cultural elements.”

Ideas flowed freely for this competition and entries ranged from footwear to fishing huts all the while highlighting the enormous contribution bamboo and rattan can make towards sustainable product development. 

1^st prize in the clothing category went to Eco-sandals based in Peru.  These sandals are made from a combination of natural materials found in the Amazon (including bamboo).  The creators, Lorene Nolte Palacios and Ricardo Garcia Garayar, found inspiration in the indigenous Shipibo community in Peru who manage to combine traditional culture and modernity into a peaceful co-existence.

“These sandals show respect for what we have, but don’t always appreciate – nature and culture,” explains Palacios.  “Being more receptive to the simple things in life can save humanity from its own chaos; the chaos that is triggered from wanting more and more.”

1^st prize in the food category went to Bamsnacks, a product from the 1001 Strategies Product Development Company out of the Philippines.  Not only does this snack take advantage of a healthy plant able to grow hardily without the use of pesticides and herbicides, but the production of Bamsnacks is providing a livelihood for rural communities in the Philippines.

1^st prize in the shelter category went to Hoang Ngoc Linh & Tran Hoang Anh from Vietnam for their Baby Clam Farming House.  Their idea is one that would create a sustainable village concept for the local fishing industry at the Can Gio mangrove forest. 

Other winners include:

2^nd Prize Winners

Clothing – Harry Anugrah Mawardi (Indonesia) – Sandals
Food – Yip Wai Sze & Tam Ka Man (Hong Kong) – Restaurant, Eating in Fantasy
Shelter – Olav Bruin, 24H Architecture Company (The Netherlands) – Resort, Koh Kud, Thailand
Transport – Michael Chai, Evermax Global Resources (China) – Kid’s Bike

3^rd Prize Winners

Shelter – Benjamin Garcia Saxe (UK) – House, Forest for a Moon Dazzler
Transport – Eldot Company (USA) – Shopping cart

Honorable Mentions

Shelter – Mui Paul (UK) – Bendy Hut
Shelter – Mariona Lopez, 2creativo (Spain) – Bambooble seating
Shelter – Habitat for Humanity (Nepal) – Affordable Housing

“There’s no doubt that ‘green’ credentials like sustainability and carbon footprints are playing an increasingly significant role in consumer choices, so such considerations are equally important for producers and designers,” said Martin Tam, Chairman of the FHKI Bamboo Industry Committee (BIC).  “Bamboo can play a major role in the growth of sustainable product innovation.”

For more on bamboo and its ever-increasing role in sustainable development, visit Green Earth News section on Bamboo & The Environment and Bamboo’s Worldwide Impact.

Bamboo Product Competition Announces Winners! is a post from: Green Earth News

With September upon us, it may be hard to remember that we still need to use sun protection.  With temperatures still summer-like (we just spent last weekend at a theme park with the temperatures in the ninety degree range, so I do not believe fall is here quite yet!), you still need to protect yourself, your skin, and even your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. 

Often times, eye protection tends gets overlooked while you are lathering on the sunscreen and making sure you are wearing light cool bamboo clothes.  Here are a few tips to protect one of the most important organs of your body:

1.  Wear your shades!  I know you have heard it before, but ultraviolet rays (UV) are really bad for your eyes.  These rays can burn your corneas (the surface of your eyes).  UV rays can also lead to the development of cataracts (which cause hazy vision) and age related macular degeneration (which is the leading cause of blindness in older Americans).  Preventing such long-term damage is easy – buy sunglasses with labels that clearly state that they protect you from 99% – 100% of UVA and UVB light.  You may even consider using wraparound sunglasses to stop the UV rays from entering from the sides of the frame!  A dark lens does not necessarily offer UV protection; it must also say it does on the label.  My doctor has a rack of sunglasses that do just that.  I know when buying from them that I am receiving the best sunglasses for my eyes.  If you already wear glasses, you can also purchase prescription sunglasses that do the same thing!
2. Wear a hat!  A wide-brimmed hat or cap can further protect you from the sun’s harmful rays especially those that hit the eyes from above your sunglasses.  Or course, we would recommend one made from bamboo!
3. Stick with your plan!  Even if your daily summer routine varies, it is very important to stick with your regular eye care treatment regimen.  Your eye doctor will be able to track any changes that are occurring with your eyes (sometimes before you even notice). 
4. Wear your swim goggles!  If you swim for sport or even for recreation, make sure that you wear goggles to protect your eyes from waterborne bacteria and swimming pool chemicals.
5. Get adequate rest!  Summertime never seems long enough.  However, instead of packing a million activities into your summer vacation, try getting a little extra sleep.  Rest can refresh your eyes and help them work more efficiently. 
6. Don’t smoke!  Smoking is a known risk factor for macular degeneration.  It has also been linked to the development of cataracts and dry eye syndrome.  Just add this to the many reasons why you should quit!
7. Lastly, don’t forget the kids!  Kids of all ages – from babies to teens – need to wear UV-protective sunglasses and a hat or visor.  As with adults, make sure your child’s sunglasses block out 99% – 100% of UV rays.

Like greening your home, the little changes you make in your sun protection routine can pay large dividends in the long run.  To quote Ben Franklin, “an ounce or prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

Summer Eye-Care Tips: How To Protect Your Peepers! is a post from: Green Earth News

Mark your calendars – World Bamboo Day is September 18^th! 

For anyone who thinks it’s an odd holiday to have, consider that there are already plenty of officially declared days celebrating much less industrious items and happenings (i.e. National Upsy Daisy Day on June 8 or National Salami Day on September 7^th).  Because of its uses for everything from an economy booster to bamboo bed linens, the Thai Royal Forest Department declared World Bamboo Day during the 8^th World Bamboo Congress in 2009.  The declaration is meant to increase the awareness of bamboo globally.  In areas where bamboo grows naturally, bamboo is a daily element in the lifestyle, but the World Bamboo Organization wants to bring the potential of bamboo to a more elevated exposure.  Members share the goal of protecting the natural bamboo resource and guiding it to sustainable development while promoting bamboo as a new cultivation for industries and increasing traditional uses at a local level.

Certainly, the uses of bamboo are becoming more apparent worldwide.   Everyday there are more examples found of bamboo uses in sustainable architecture, bridge-building, emergency relief efforts and transportation.  The bamboo fiber is reaching an even larger market with more consumers taking advantage of the luxuriously soft fabric to produce everything from bamboo clothes to organic bamboo sheets. 

While countries such as India, China and Thailand work to sustain their bamboo forest development, countries on this side of the globe (including the United States) are looking to bamboo as a potentially viable crop to help struggling farmers in ravaged regions.  The development of domestic bamboo resources would give a means of production and reduce the amount of exports needed for countries to begin producing bamboo products en masse. 

To celebrate the most recent World Bamboo Day, a ceremonial bamboo planting took place in which a representative from each member country planted a bamboo seedling in symbolic gesture of support for the mission of the World Bamboo Congress.  Organizers encourage everyone to participate in World Bamboo Day by planting bamboo, building with bamboo, wearing bamboo, eating bamboo or by simply walking among the bamboo. 

Already, there are festivities in the works for this years’ celebration (click here for a listing).  In Nagaland (a state in Northeastern India), a three day festival is planned.  With representatives from around the world in attendance including the World Bamboo Organization and the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency, the festival will highlight a region that is home to 5% of India’s growing stock of bamboo.  Planned activities include a cultural program, a bamboo planting, a bamboo field visit, a crafts and painting contest, symposium and workshops and a bamboo food and music festival.  Organizers are even asking visitors to work up a sweat with the inaugural bamboo sport competition and a “Run For Bamboo” semi marathon. 

 What a great time to test the abilities of a pair of wicking bamboo socks!  

World Bamboo Day: Thousands Of Reasons To Celebrate! is a post from: Green Earth News

We’ve often heard the statement that we spend over a third of our lives in bed.  With spending that amount of time in one place, you would like it to be both toxin free and eco-friendly.  One of the easiest ways to make your bedroom more green is to invest in bamboo bedding.

Good sheets make the bed (no pun intended!).  One of the latest trends is bamboo sheets.  Bamboo sheets are some of the softest sheets you’ll ever feel – that goes for any cotton or high thread count Egyptian fabrics.  Bamboo also has a natural wicking ability which makes it extremely absorbent.  This is great for people who sweat a lot or who have night sweats.  Bamboo also resists odor, so even if you sweat, your bed isn’t going to smell like it!  Bamboo fabric stays 2-3 degrees cooler in warmer temperatures and 2-3 degrees warmer when it’s cold.  Bamboo is also hypoallergenic, so bamboo sheets are great for those who suffer from allergies. Armed with your new sheets, why not purchase new online mattresses that provide the ultimate restful sleep?

The next thing you should consider is bamboo blankets.  These are not only great for your bed, but they are great for lazy Sunday afternoons relaxing.  Bamboo blankets have all of the same properties that the bamboo sheets have – super soft, odor resistant, thermal regulating.  They are especially great for people who have sensitive skin.  You don’t have to worry about a breakout or rash from one of these types of blankets.

Lastly, you have your bamboo bedspread/comforter and/or duvet covers.  Everybody tends to use something different on their bed.  However, if you do choose to use a duvet cover over your comforter, you actually will save yourself some time.   Bamboo duvet covers can be thrown right into the washing machine!

If you have babies in your house, you can buy bamboo crib sheets for them too!  With bamboo, you do not have to worry that the material has any pesticides or chemicals in it.  You also do not have to worry about their sensitive skin reacting either!  As a mother of a little boy who can break out from simple things like his diaper, sheets like these are just what the doctor ordered!   The temperature regulating properties of bamboo is also something that all mothers can get behind too!  Your baby should be just as comfortable as you are!  As any parent will tell you, a happy baby means a happy house.

Besides all the great reasons listed above to invest in bamboo bedding, there are medical reasons to also!  The China Industrial Testing Center did extensive research on bamboo sheets several years ago.  They attempted to infect them the Staphylococcus aurous bacteria over a 24 hour time period.  After the 24 incubation period, the study showed that 100% of the bamboo sheets eliminated or repelled 99.8% of the Staphylococcus aurous bacteria!

Soft Bamboo Sheets

There are so many reasons to invest in bamboo bedding for your home!  Why would you not want to sleep in such great soft bedding knowing that you are saving the world one bamboo product at a time?

Choosing The Right Sheets And Blankets: How Bamboo Can Help Your Bedroom is a post from: Green Earth News

With the days finally getting longer, we find ourselves heading into summer.  One of the best summer activities out there has to be fishing!  It is a great way to relax and spend time alone or with some of your closest friends.  You can do it from inside a boat or even from the shore.  It is a hobby that you can spend as little or as much as you want on. 

As many experienced fishermen will tell you, one of the most important pieces of equipment used is your fishing rod.  Fishing rods are made in a variety of materials such as graphite, fiberglass, or bamboo.  Did you know that a fly fishing rod can be anywhere from six feet to twelve feet in length?  The size of the fish you are catching determines what length of fishing rod you need.   The graphite fishing rod is mainly used by beginners whereas the fiberglass rod is used most widely because of its strength and durability.  However, it is on the heavier side. 

Bamboo rods tend to be considered one of the best fishing rods out there.  They are both light and flexible compared with the other types of rods, and you will find the most serious anglers out there using them.  There are various brands on the market such as Partridge, Sage, Shakespeare, Daiwa, and Greys to name just a few.  Bamboo rods can cost you anywhere from $5 up to hundreds of dollars for handcrafted fly fishing rods.  You can even make your own bamboo rod!

Collecting classic bamboo rods and restoring them has become a hobby for many fishing fans.  You can find restored rods at fishing gear shows selling for up to $600! These rods come from attics, hand me downs, and even eBay and Craigslist!  In May 2008, there was even the First European Bamboo Rod Maker Gathering that was held in Sansepolcro, Tuscany.  Bamboo rod makers were able to share their methods, views, and rods.  In the United States, there is a conference that is held in the fall at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in New York.  There are several other conferences worldwide you can attend if on bamboo rods.  You can also talk with other bamboo rod enthusiasts on forums such as The Classic Fly Rod Forum.  There are several books written on this topic too!

Since there is more demand for bamboo fishing rods now, production of them have started up again.  Many of the rods you see today are based on the past designs.  No matter if you are using a new bamboo rod or an old vintage one, bamboo is material of choice.  You can’t do better than the flexibility and strength of bamboo.  Using the right kind of rod for the right kind of fish will help make your day an eventful and fun one!

Bamboo t-shirts

Make sure to wear the right gear for your fishing trip too.  For those hot summer days, invest in moisture-wicking and thermo-regulating bamboo shirts! 

Happy Fishing!

Fishing For Fun: Bamboo Fishing Rods is a post from: Green Earth News