Elegant, chic, classy yet super functional; bamboo is indeed a material that is versatile as well as unique. A plant that is a renewable resource and one that that is known to absorb carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, bamboo is known for its role in sustainable and environmentally friendly living.
World Bamboo Day 2024
Celebrating the importance of one of the world’s most renewable and sustainable resources, World Bamboo day is celebrated globally each year on 18-September. The celebration aims to raise awareness about the various benefits of bamboo including the environmental, economic and cultural aspects. It also encourages people to explore and promote the use of bamboo as it is a renewable resource and one that can help mitigate deforestation and contribute to eco friendly living. By celebrating this day, people are encouraged to expand the usage of bamboo whether in their homes, offices, in agriculture, crafts or construction.
The theme for World Bamboo Day 2024 is “Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation, and Design”. The concept of World Bamboo Day was initiated by Kamesh Salam during the 8th World Bamboo Congress in Bangkok in 2009. The day (18-Sep) coincides with Royal Thai Forestry Day.
Benefits Galore
With over 1500 species worldwide, bamboo comes in a plethora of colours and sizes. It grows remarkably fast with some species gaining as much as 3 feet in 24 hours. Most species grow in a variety of soil conditions with minimum pesticides and fertilizers. Further, they do not leave any residue after the plant is harvested, leaving little or no wastage. Apart from this, other benefits of this plant are:
- Renewable resource and biodegradable
- Releases 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere
- Durable and Strong
- Suitable for a wide variety of products like furniture, straws, pots, baskets, light fixtures etc
- Aesthetically Pleasing
- Helps Support Local Livelihoods
Bamboo In Homes
As a first step, you can incorporate bamboo in your home considering its innumerable uses and its elegant look. Whether you use them in outdoor furniture, light fixtures, baskets or simple accessories, bamboo adds oodles of appeal to your home and makes a case for eco-friendly living.
Bamboo blinds are classy and are great to filter in some natural light. You can also bamboo in dividers, storage units and also in lampshades.
A perfect material that seamlessly blends into wood, laminate and even glass, bamboo is a great choice if you are looking for a combination of style and sustainability.
As we celebrate World Bamboo Day today, do remember that bamboo and bamboo weaving is intrinsic to several cultures in India. Hence, try to source from local vendors as it helps keep their craft alive and also serves to protect their livelihoods.
To read more about bamboo in home decor, read my article in the New Indian Express.
