Bamboo Working with the Elements

In an age where development usually occurs at the environment’s expense, it’s nice to find a natural resource that actually works with our planet. Celebrated for its extreme flexibility and strength as a construction material, bamboo has survived a multitude of tests put forth by Mother Nature. From landslide-threatened villages and gale-force winds to massive waves and fire, bamboo has withstood it all!

Bamboo, the Worldwide Solution to Land Erosion

Just east of Nepal and north of Bangladesh, the Bhutanese village of Ramjar had a serious erosion problem. The precious rainfall which supplies their crops and drinking water had also been washing their village down the hillside, forcing small communities to abandon their homes. Today, however, a two-year project has been initiated to plant groves of bamboo in these troubled areas to maintain land stability. Bamboo’s thick running root system has proven to be a great way to prevent erosion – so much so that in some cases its removal can actually harm the environment.

When the city of Sandy Springs, Georgia tore out 5 acres of bamboo alongside the Chattahoochee River, the State Environmental Protection Division declared they were in violation of environmental rules. Without bamboo bolstering the riverbanks, the water was in danger of eutrophication – a harmful excess of chemical nutrients being released in the water from eroding soil runoff. This can severely disrupt the ecology of the river and everything living in and near it. Luckily the city agreed to replace the all-important bamboo and the river was saved.

The Wind-Friendly Bamboo Fence

In strong hurricane winds, outdoor fences are usually the first structures to topple over, but not when you’re dealing with bamboo. The rounded canes of a Cali Bamboo fence allow wind to pass through putting less pressure on the structure as a whole. Bamboo poles are also naturally very flexible and can bend in the wind while maintaining their integrity. Traditional wood slat fences do not have these unique advantages when facing a tough storm.

Bamboo Fins — Giving Surfers an Edge

Based in California, the 101 Fin Company has developed a new and improved surf fin made from solid bamboo supplied directly from Cali Bamboo. These specially made surf fins take advantage of bamboo’s light weight, durability and flexing abilities. The bamboo fins are about 50% lighter than traditional honeycomb fins and have a flex memory said to rival or exceed that of solid fiberglass fins. Not to mention the bamboo’s natural beauty and eco-charm – a definite plus for avid wave-riders!

As a company, Cali Bamboo has always been ocean friendly and regularly donates a portion of its revenue to eco-activists like the Surfrider Foundation, through 1% for the Planet. The Cali Bamboo team has also participated in Surfrider’s Annual Paddle for Clean Water at the Ocean Beach Pier, paddling around the west coast’s longest pier to raise awareness about eco-damage in our oceans.

Bamboo Faces the Flames

It takes some know-how to properly fireproof bamboo because of it’s density and impermeable nature. Thankfully, Cali Bamboo is certified by the State of California Fire Marshall as an approved Flame Retardant Applicator. This means we are able to fire-treat most of our products in house and provide our customers with official certificates stating that our bamboo meets or exceeds residential and commercial code Class A fire rating standards. Cali Bamboo – safe for the environment and safe for your home!

Your Friends,