Bamboo has been on everyone’s sustainable flooring list for years but why hasn’t anyone developed a more expanded utility for this fast growing renewable resource? I am glad to report that progress is being made. The first significant step seems to be the 2008 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification of Plyboo the first purely bamboo plywood in the world.
On the strength of their Plyboo product Smith & Fong, the developers and manufacturers of Plyboo, were recently recognized by Sustainable Industries placing Plyboo as one of the top ten green building products of 2009. Congratulations to Smith & Fong for leading the way in the development of new and sustainable uses of bamboo.
I have noticed that there are beginning to be a few web inquiries about the viability of possible agricultural applications for bamboo in the U.S. In my view this should be an area of focus for universities and agricultural researchers.
Permaearth.org has an interesting study that discusses several philosophies regarding incorporating bamboo into a broader permaculture agricultural application. I haven’t yet studied the issue enough to determine how volume production could be achieved.
I would be interested in hearing from anyone who may have some experience or insight into bamboo and the U.S.
