In an age of fossil fuel dependence and rampant deforestation, bamboo is something of a miracle crop. It is used as an alternative to plastic and cotton. In fact, it is a superior building material, from furniture to houses. But bamboo is also an excellent natural source for energy production. It may not be as clean as solar or geothermal energy, but until these superior sources are able to meet all our energy needs, bamboo remains a much more sustainable alternative to coal and petroleum.
Bamboo's super-fast growth process – the plant grows an average of 15 to 20 centimeters per day – makes it the fastest growing plant in the world. The growth record of bamboo is even 91 cm per day.
Only the side branches of the bamboo plant are used, so the roots remain intact. This means that the plant continues to grow after harvest. This means that forests do not have to be cut down to grow new bamboo. The bamboo plant only needs sunlight and water to grow and therefore grows 100% naturally. No pesticides or artificial irrigation are used.
The carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from bamboo release 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than an equivalent type of hardwood. This is caused by the high growth rate and photosynthesis.
Project Ghana
The Barbarugo Foundation was founded in 2012. This foundation helps the environment and people. They supply bamboo cuttings to farmers in Ghana, support them with knowledge and provide guidance.
More information about the Barbarugo Foundation can be found at: Barbarugo | for development aid with perspective
